dabble

verb

dab·​ble ˈda-bəl 

dabbled; dabbling ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest

dabbles in art

2

a

: to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water

b

: to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food

transitive verb

: to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : spatter

Examples of dabble in a Sentence

The ducks dabbled in the stream.

She sat by the pool, dabbling her feet in the cool water.

Recent Examples on the Web

Try dabbling in unexpected pairings like an army green Ghiaia safari jacket with a vintage Chopard Happy Diamonds timepiece or Breguet Classique Ref. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2024

Movies have been dabbling with smell since the silent era, with theaters experimenting with scented oils and flowery perfumes. —James Grebey, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

Last year, Vuitton dabbled in seasonal tableware collections, which are used in its resort stores, cafés and restaurants. —Miles Socha, WWD, 7 Oct. 2024

Throughout his seven-decade career, Jones dabbled in big-band jazz, bebop, gospel, blues, soul, funk, quiet storm R&B, disco, rock, and rap. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of dab entry 2

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

dabble

verb

dab·​ble ˈdab-əl 

dabbled; dabbling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to wet by splashing : spatter

2

a

: to paddle or play in or as if in water

b

: to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water to obtain food

ducks dabbled in the pond

3

: to work or concern oneself lightly or without deep involvement

they dabble in poetry

dabbler

-(ə-)lər

noun