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

This time, its Hellmann’s deciding to dabble in denim. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2025

Deus Ex also dabbles in conspiracy theories, which Metal Gear Solid fans will surely be familiar with and enjoy. —George Yang, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025

After dabbling in liquid hydrogen combustion engines, BMW’s first generation fuel-cell drive system, in a 5251A in 2014, was lifted from Toyota. —Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Never afraid of a transformation, Stone has dabbled in milky and icy blondes, and donned a long, raven-haired wig for her Oscar-winning performance in Poor Things. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 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