dabble

[ dab-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, dab·bled, dab·bling.

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: dally, toy, fiddle, putter

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

verb (used with object)

, dab·bled, dab·bling.

1. to wet slightly in or with a liquid; splash; spatter.
2. Chiefly South Midland U.S. to wash or rinse off lightly.

dabble

/ ˈdæbəl /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈdabbler, noun

Other Words From

• dabbler noun
• dabbling·ly adverb
• un·dabbled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dabble¹

1550–60; probably dab ¹ + -le; compare Dutch dabbelen, dabben

Word History and Origins

Origin of dabble¹

C16: probably from Dutch dabbelen; see dab ¹

Example Sentences

But while Spangler has dabbled in new, “exciting” flavors like Dragon Fruit and Birthday Cake Dum Dums, it’s found that any tweaks it makes to classic options get flagged by consumers.

From Salon

She first dabbled with pottery and ceramics years ago while she was living in Brooklyn and going through a difficult breakup.

From Los Angeles Times

But bogus claims of election fraud have been so central to Lake’s public persona that she dabbled in it even as she sought to deflect questions on the subject.

From Salon

Outlets with no journalistic ethics don’t just happen to dabble in these fictions; they bank on them.

From Salon

Strictly has dabbled with Indian music before, including with two professional dances in a Bollywood style.

From BBC