dabble

verb

dab·​ble ˈda-bəl How to pronounce dabble (audio)
dabbled; dabbling ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dabble (audio)

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 Outside of music, Souther also dabbled with acting. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Sep. 2024 In addition to three Grammy awards, recognition for lifetime achievement by the Country Music Association, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, the musician also dabbled in acting and photography. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024 This isn’t the first time Apple has dabbled in the health care space. Samantha Delouya, CNN, 10 Sep. 2024 She's ventured into real estate, dabbling in flipping houses, and is a spokesperson for yarn company Lion Brand Yarn. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dabble 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dabble.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of dab entry 2

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of dabble was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near dabble

Cite this Entry

“Dabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dabble. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

dabble

verb
dab·​ble ˈdab-əl How to pronounce dabble (audio)
dabbled; dabbling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dabble (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on dabble

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