dibble

[ dib-uhl ]

noun

1. Also dib·ber [] a small, handheld, pointed implement for making holes in soil for planting seedlings, bulbs, etc.

verb (used with object)

, dib·bled, dib·bling.

1. to make a hole (in the ground) with or as if with a dibble.
2. to set (plants) in holes made with a dibble.

verb (used without object)

, dib·bled, dib·bling.

1. to work with a dibble.

dibble

¹

/ ˈdɪbəl /

noun

1. slang.
   a policeman

dibble

²

/ ˈdɪbəl /

noun

1. Also called (esp Brit)dibberˈdɪbə a small hand tool used to make holes in the ground for planting or transplanting bulbs, seeds, or roots

verb

1. to make a hole in (the ground) with a dibble
2. to plant (bulbs, seeds, etc) with a dibble

dibble

³

/ ˈdɪbəl /

verb

1. a variant of dib
2. a less common word for dabble

Derived Forms

• ˈdibbler, noun

Other Words From

• dibbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dibble¹

1325–75; late Middle English, perhaps akin to dib

Word History and Origins

Origin of dibble¹

C20: allusion to the police officer of that name in the children's animated cartoon Top Cat

Origin of dibble²

C15: of obscure origin

Example Sentences

For those of a certain age, Cuthbert Dibble will be a popular choice while Black Bamboo and Johnnywho will bid to feature.

From BBC

Emily Dibble, a 20-year-old student at Glasgow Caledonian University, said she usually parked her car in Sighthill to get to her lectures.

From BBC

Before I understood how to use my options properly, I used to dibble and dabble with my childhood favorite, Duncan Hines.

From Salon

Nathaniel Dibble, a 19-year-old who protested outside of the General Assembly, and other LGBTQ+ youth present told AP that the bill would put transgender students at risk in school as teachers could out them to unsupportive parents.

From Salon

He’s also one shy of Rob Dibble’s club record of 23 consecutive saves to start a season in 1991.

From Washington Times