dabbling

noun

dab·​bling ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dabbling (audio)
: a superficial or intermittent interest, investigation, or experiment
his dabblings in philosophy and art

Examples of dabbling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Take in particular the Nelk Boys, bro-ey pranksters whose recent dabbling in Trumpy politics led them to an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Image His dabbling in politics ultimately led to a run for the presidency in 1990. Simon Romero, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 This review is based on two full-length playthroughs of all three ages of Civilization VII, plus a little extra dabbling—a total of about 35 hours. Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2025 Casual, infrequent dabbling in the program isn’t really an option. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dabbling

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dabbling was circa 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Dabbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dabbling. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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