dillydally

[ dil-ee-dal-ee, -dal- ]

verb (used without object)

, dil·ly·dal·lied, dil·ly·dal·ly·ing.

1. to waste time, especially by indecision; vacillate; trifle; loiter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dillydally¹

First recorded in 1735–45; gradational reduplication of dally

Example Sentences

“We’re talking about war-fighting, national security, and going against a competitor here and a potential adversary that is like nothing we’ve ever seen. And we can’t dillydally around with these deliveries.”

From New York Times

“We’re not tortas you can take out of the oven and set aside to cool off while you dillydally with a whole other life. Families are supposed to be important, and that’s one thing you never did: Make us important. And now you want to take away the only real parent we’ve ever had? Well, it’s not going to happen. We’re not going to let you get rid of Mamá.”

From Literature

He laid some of the blame at the feet of underperforming science fiction writers who, instead of inspiring citizens and scientists, had turned their backs on optimism and real-world data, traipsing off instead to dillydally in the lands of steampunk, dystopia and pure fantasy.

From Washington Post

That may seem like it’s a long way away, but getting your passport renewed can take six to eight weeks, and your travel needs may arrive sooner than you think, so don’t dillydally.

From Seattle Times

Between the small parking lot and the small interior space, there’s not much room to dillydally.

From Seattle Times