51Թ

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View synonyms for

dabble

[dab-uhl]

verb (used without object)

dabbled, dabbling 
  1. to play and splash in or as if in water, especially with the hands.

  2. to work at anything in an irregular or superficial manner.

    to dabble in literature.

    Synonyms: , , ,
  3. (of a duck) to feed on shallow-water vegetation with rapid, splashing movements of the bill.



verb (used with object)

dabbled, dabbling 
  1. to wet slightly in or with a liquid; splash; spatter.

  2. Chiefly South Midland U.S.to wash or rinse off lightly.

dabble

/ ˈæə /

verb

  1. to dip, move, or splash (the fingers, feet, etc) in a liquid

  2. (intr; usually foll by in, with, or at) to deal (with) or work (at) frivolously or superficially; play (at)

  3. (tr) to daub, mottle, splash, or smear

    his face was dabbled with paint

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • dabbler noun
  • dabblingly adverb
  • undabbled adjective
  • ˈ岹 noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of dabble1

1550–60; probably dab 1 + -le; compare Dutch dabbelen, dabben
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of dabble1

C16: probably from Dutch dabbelen; see dab 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

His father was once a builder, so Webster dabbled with an apprenticeship "on the tools".

From

BBC Sport looks at the current laws, when cricket has dabbled with substitutes in the past and asks the Test Match Special team whether it is time for subs to be brought in...

From

Although Woolery dabbled in basketball growing up, Grant was once so smitten with the sport that she thought it was going to be her pathway to a Division I college scholarship.

From

It was also at Loughborough where Cook dabbled in his other love - house music.

From

The 62-year-old had dabbled in crime his whole life, from petty offences to bank heists.

From

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dabbingdabbling duck