dabbled; dabbling
ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ 
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
: 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
Thus far, investment firm Monarch Collective has mostly dabbled on the equity side of the industry, having built a portfolio that includes Angel City FC, the San Diego Wave, Boston Legacy FC, FC Viktoria Berlin in Germany and Cleveland’s upcoming WNBA expansion franchise.
—
Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
In the intervening years, Turner had dabbled in other interests.
—Tim Gray, Variety, 6 May 2026
For those who love to entertain, summer hosting season is an opportunity to dabble in new outdoor furniture arrangements, tablescaping trends, and adventurous seasonal recipes.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Throughout her childhood and into high school, Connors loved dabbling in songwriting, often trying her hand at songs about friendship and, later, her tumultuous high school breakup.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabble
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Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026
In the intervening years, Turner had dabbled in other interests.
—Tim Gray, Variety, 6 May 2026
For those who love to entertain, summer hosting season is an opportunity to dabble in new outdoor furniture arrangements, tablescaping trends, and adventurous seasonal recipes.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Throughout her childhood and into high school, Connors loved dabbling in songwriting, often trying her hand at songs about friendship and, later, her tumultuous high school breakup.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dabble
Cite this Entry
“Dabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dabble. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
-(ə-)lər
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