dabble

verb

dab·​ble ˈda-bəl How to pronounce dabble (audio)
dabbled; dabbling ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dabble (audio)
Synonyms of dabblenext

intransitive verb

1
: to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest
dabbles in art
2
a
: to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water
b
: to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food

transitive verb

: to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : spatter

Examples of dabble in a Sentence

The ducks dabbled in the stream. She sat by the pool, dabbling her feet in the cool water.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iglesias, 35, has never played the outfield in the majors or minors, although Shildt indicated that Iglesias has dabbled in the outfield in the past. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 Although the brand is nearly all women’s apparel, shoes and bags, Paloma Wool has also begun dabbling in men’s. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025 In the 19th century, philosophers and poets dabbled with it in the pursuit of metaphysical insights. — Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 The Death of a Unicorn actor, 55, appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers to dabble in some day-drinking with the host, which included trying cocktail concoctions and meeting his doppelgänger, a writer on Meyers' show. — Sharareh Drury, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dabble

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of dab entry 2

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dabble was in 1557

Rhymes for dabble

See All Rhymes for dabble

Browse Nearby Words

DAB
dabble
dabbler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dabble. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

dabble

verb
dab·​ble ˈdab-əl How to pronounce dabble (audio)
dabbled; dabbling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dabble (audio)
1
: to wet by splashing : spatter
2
a
: to paddle or play in or as if in water
b
: to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water to obtain food
ducks dabbled in the pond
3
: to work or concern oneself lightly or without deep involvement
they dabble in poetry
dabbler
-(ə-)lər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dabble

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dabble

Nglish: Translation of dabble for Spanish Speakers

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