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

Instead of following trends, the group has dabbled in a variety of genres, often merging multiple into one song to form their unique sound, dubbed MIXX Pop. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025

Middleton has subtly upped the ante with her wardrobe, dabbling in trendier takes on classic British staples, like wool separates, suiting, and outdoor apparel—specifically the barn jacket, which was a key piece in Queen Elizabeth II's and Prince Philip's winter wardrobes. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2025

Ayo Edebiri has dabbled in on-screen violence before. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Participants will learn the differences between dabbling and diving ducks, their unique characteristics and how to use eBird to find local waterfowl viewing hot spots. —Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 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