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

Facing Auburn, the Bears lost 17-16, and a communal roar could be heard outside The Swamp because, in fact, a Saturday of Week 1 magnitude can frequently dabble in schadenfreude. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Savchenko has been actively pursuing opportunities outside of dancing and is dabbling with a career in acting. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Paine, who works in technology by day — and intends to keep that career — has dabbled in winemaking for many years during his world military travels. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

Last year, Sophia Stewart recommended eight books for people who like to dabble in casual pursuits. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 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