A stilt is a long pole fixed to a person's feet to walk above the ground or water. People use stilts to move tall or avoid water or mud. Also, buildings can stand on stilts to stay safe from flood or animals.
The man walked on stilts in the park.
The house was built on tall stilts.
In shoes, stilts are the narrow supports under the sole that lift the shoe off the ground. High heels are a type of stilt for shoes, helping the wearer stand taller or look elegant.
He wore shoes with wooden stilts underneath.
The dancer used stilts to appear taller.
To stilt means to move by walking on stilts. People sometimes use stilts for fun, sports, or performance. It can help them reach high places or go above wet areas.
The children stilted across the muddy field.
He stilted at the party to entertain guests.
A stilt can mean a leg that is longer or thinner than normal. This can make walking stiff or strange. The word also describes birds with very long legs, like stilts or herons.
The bird had stilts for legs and walked slowly.
Her gait was like walking on stilts after the injury.
In building, stilts are strong poles or columns that hold up a structure. They raise the building above the ground to avoid water, dirt, or animals. Stilts help keep buildings safe in some places.
The house rests on stilts to avoid flood water.
Many beach houses are built on wooden stilts.
Stilted describes language or behavior that is too formal, awkward, or not natural. People use this word when someone sounds or looks stiff, not relaxed or easy.
His stilted speech was hard to understand.
The poem felt stilted and unnatural.
