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

Even my father, who dabbled with the Jewish community in his youth, didn’t stay involved. —Maria Zimina, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

On the other hand, dabbling in danger makes a person resilient. —Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025

But the company also dabbles in backcountry apparel and accessories, and the Ultralight Camp Shoes are one of its latest wearable accessory launches. —New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025

Whether sweeping hair into elegant updos for Keke Palmer, slicking down tendrils for Noah Cyrus’ wet looks, or dabbling in vibrant and bold colors, creativity is always the goal. —Jessica Fields, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of dab entry 2

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for dabble

• babble
• babel
• drabble
• gabble
• nabal
• rabble
• scrabble
• immeasurable

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