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View synonyms for dab

dab

1

[ dab ]

verb (used with object)

, dabbed, dab·bing.
  1. to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist:

    The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.

  2. to apply (a substance) by light strokes:

    He dabbed the ointment on the rash.

  3. to strike, especially lightly, as with the hand.
  4. to consume (cannabis) by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.
  5. Masonry. to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.
  6. Western U.S. to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something:

    Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.



verb (used without object)

, dabbed, dab·bing.
  1. to strike lightly; make a dab; pat:

    She dabbed at the stain on her dress.

  2. to consume cannabis by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.

    She dabs for a more intense high.

noun

  1. a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.
  2. a small moist lump or mass:

    a dab of butter.

    Synonyms: smidgen, dollop, bit, pat

  3. a small quantity:

    a dab of powder.

  4. a dose of cannabis extract oil.
  5. a dance move that involves posing with one’s nose in the crook of a bent elbow at chest level while extending the other arm to the side at or above shoulder level, often performed as a celebratory posture in sports or other competitions.

dab

2

[ dab ]

noun

  1. any of several flatfishes of the genus Limanda, especially the European flatfish, L. limanda.

dab

3

[ dab ]

noun

  1. Also called dab hand. a person skilled in something; an expert.
  2. an excellent or extraordinary person or thing.

DAB

4
  1. Dictionary of American Biography.

dab

1

/ dæb /

verb

  1. to touch lightly and quickly
  2. tr to daub with short tapping strokes

    to dab the wall with paint

  3. tr to apply (paint, cream, etc) with short tapping strokes
“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


noun

  1. a small amount, esp of something soft or moist

    a dab of ink

  2. a small light stroke or tap, as with the hand
  3. often plural a slang word for fingerprint
“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

DAB

2

abbreviation for

  1. digital audio broadcasting
“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

dab

3

/ dæb /

noun

  1. informal.
“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

dab

4

/ dæb /

noun

  1. a small common European brown flatfish, Limanda limanda, covered with rough toothed scales: family Pleuronectidae: a food fish
  2. often plural any of various other small flatfish, esp flounders Compare sand dab
  3. Also calledpatiki a sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebia , common around New Zealand's South Island
“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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Word History and Origins

Origin of dab1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb dabben “to strike, hit,” of uncertain origin; compare Old Icelandic dabba “to strike, tap,” Norwegian dabbe “to shuffle along, walk slowly,” Middle Dutch dabben “to pinch, knead,” German tappen “to feel along, grope”

Origin of dab2

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps special use of dab 1

Origin of dab3

First recorded in 1685–95; of uncertain origin
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dab1

C14: of imitative origin

Origin of dab2

C17: perhaps from dab 1(vb)

Origin of dab3

C15: from Anglo-French dabbe, of uncertain origin
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Example Sentences

On the first day of shooting, Kallai and his film crew found themselves smack-dab in the middle of a war zone.

Dab says the truth—however frightening it may be—ultimately will keep people calm.

Now, they are smack dab in the middle of a GOP primary in Mississippi.

The first U.S. case of MERS landed in Indiana—smack-dab in the heartland.

Recently, at a pot-centered radio program, someone offered me a “dab” of butane honey oil (BHO)—a concentrated form of cannabis.

I had nearly a whole bag of cement left over from my dab at orchard renovation, and there were plenty of packing-boxes.

I took out the plug and shook out the little dab of quicksilver, and set my teeth in.

On one cheek he had a dab of jelly and his hand and shirt front were covered with broth.

“I dab fuss,” cried Pompey, and he swam on to soon reach one of the boughs, and turn round to wait for me.

Captain Wass showed a resolve to quit pecking at the edges and make a dab at the center of the subject.

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