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

Lombardo recently started dabbling with brand partnerships and connected with Offline earlier this year. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026

Neither a makeup artist or hairstylist has been credited for West’s Wednesday look, but the teen star often frequently dabbles in doing her own makeup and styling wigs. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Throughout her rise, Eala has dabbled in fashion, and this season attended shows including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Chanel. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Thereafter, Pacheco came back to California, dabbled in stockbroking, and retired. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

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