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

All three airlines I contacted delayed, obfuscated or otherwise dillydallied before getting me answers, but let’s start with your travel agent, American Express.

From New York Times

Put one in airplanes to get dillydallying passengers into their seats.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, a new session of Parliament is set to open on Monday — more than two months after the election, a period opposition parties have complained has been unnecessary dillydallying.

From Washington Post

“The machinations of the U.S. Supreme Court should not be a reason for dillydallying” by any nations that have signed the U.N.

From Scientific American

“Unfortunately,” she said of the Biden administration, “they dillydallied so long.”

From Washington Post