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

Dan Post has dabbled in denim footwear from time to time. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025

Forsyth also dabbled in television, most notably as the writer and presenter of the 1989 London Weekend Television series Frederick Forsyth Presents. —Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025

In April, Lowry spoke with PEOPLE about how her son Isaac has been dabbling in a public-facing life and has slowly entered the young influencer space while Lowry keeps a close eye every step of the way. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 June 2025

Tyler Anderson, who specializes in fine dining at his renowned restaurant Millwright’s, and only started dabbling in barbecue about six years ago, will compete in the new season of BBQ Brawl. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 May 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