English · Word Candidate

tread

/tɹɛd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: treads · treading · trod · treaded

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To step or walk (on or across something); to trample.

Verb

He trod back and forth wearily.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To step or walk upon.

Verb

Actors tread the boards.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A step taken with the foot.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A manner of stepping.

Noun

She is coming, my own, my sweet; / Were it ever so airy a tread, / My heart would hear her and beat.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “tread” mean?

To step or walk (on or across something); to trample.

Is “tread” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.