dodge

noun

\ˈdäj

Definition of dodge

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : an act of evading by sudden bodily movement

2a : an artful device to evade, deceive, or trick

b : expedient

dodge

verb

dodged; dodging

Definition of dodge (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : to move to and fro or from place to place usually in an irregular course dodged through the crowd

b : to make a sudden movement in a new direction (as to evade a blow) dodged behind the door

2 : to evade a responsibility or duty especially by trickery or deceit

transitive verb

1a : to evade by a sudden or repeated shift of position dodge tacklers

b : to avoid an encounter with celebrities dodging the media

2 : to evade (something, such as a duty) usually indirectly or by trickery dodged the draft by leaving the country dodged questions

dodge a bullet or less commonly dodge the bullet

: to narrowly avoid an unwelcome, harmful, or disastrous outcome or occurrence coastal towns dodged a bullet when the hurricane veered out to sea

Dodge

biographical name

\ˈdäj

Definition of Dodge (Entry 3 of 3)

Mary Elizabeth 1831–1905 née Mapes \ˈmāps \ American author

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about dodge

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Examples of dodge in a Sentence

Noun

It was just another dodge to get out of working. just another dodge to get out of working in the yard

Verb

He dodged the first punch but was hit by the second. She dodged through the crowds as she hurried home. We dodged between the cars as we raced across the street. They managed to dodge the reporters by leaving through the back exit. She accused him of dodging his responsibilities as a parent.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Matthews points out that this is clearly a dodge: As a DC Circuit judge, Kavanaugh has to honor the precedent of the Supreme Court. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "Even most Republicans want to keep Roe v. Wade," 24 July 2018 At school, while other kids were playing dodge ball or skipping. — Kate Storey, Good Housekeeping, "Marie Kondo Reveals a Nervous Breakdown Led to Her Joy Method," 5 Jan. 2016 The pressure for the US to sanction Riyadh intensified after the Saudi government finally admitted last Friday that Khashoggi had been killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, after weeks of dodges and denials. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "The US will revoke visas for Saudi suspects in Jamal Khashoggi’s killing," 24 Oct. 2018 Older kids can check out the dodge ball courts and there’s an area for kids 4 years and younger. — Wendy Killeen, azcentral, "Indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks and places in Phoenix kids can play and stay cool," 24 May 2018 The debate dodge is not an unusual tactic for incumbents. — Stephen Sorace, Fox News, "House Democrat Tulsi Gabbard dodges debates in home state -- despite demanding them in 2016: report," 1 July 2018 The activities included seminars on fashion and beauty, panel discussions and a celebrity dodge ball game. — Anita Bennett, Fortune, "BET Awards Mulling Move From Los Angeles, Insiders Say (Exclusive)," 27 June 2018 Chi Chi Price opened up the scoring with a heavy cross-body snipe from 15 yards out, off a roll dodge, then Bowen quickly made it 2-0 with a steal in transition and a dish to Zack Swanson. — Brendan Hall, BostonGlobe.com, "BC High hangs on to beat Medfield in boys’ lacrosse," 15 Apr. 2018 Indian actor Salman Khan was found guilty of wildlife poaching and sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday in a decades-long case that has seen the Bollywood superstar dodge multiple prior charges. — Eli Meixler, Time, "Bollywood Star Salman Khan Has Been Convicted of Poaching Protected Antelopes," 5 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

These youths are dodging serial killers and crooked cops every five seconds, for crying out loud! — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Why Is Riverdale So Thirsty This Season?," 31 Oct. 2018 The corporate income tax is among the least efficient—the cost of compliance and tax-dodging is high in relation to money raised. — Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, "When the Fever Passes, Learn From Trump’s Taxes," 12 Oct. 2018 In recent years, the IRS has also been pulled away from classic tax-dodging cases by soaring rates of identity theft. — Paul Kiel, The Seattle Times, "Hobbled by budget cuts, the IRS brings fewer tax fraud cases," 2 Oct. 2018 George Stephanopoulos and James Carville dealing with unforeseen problems and negative press, as their candidate is saddled with accusations of adultery and draft-dodging. — Vogue, "These Are the 66 Best Documentaries of All Time," 8 Aug. 2018 In her closing remarks, Taylor returned to her frequent complaint that DeWine is dodging her. — Andrew J. Tobias, cleveland.com, "Mike DeWine and Mary Taylor debate, sort of, during match up of Ohio Republican governor candidates," 5 Apr. 2018 Pamela Anderson dodged a question Monday about her French soccer star boyfriend, Adil Rami, amid rumors that the couple split. — Katherine Lam, Fox News, "Pamela Anderson dodges question about boyfriend Adil Rami amid breakup rumors," 12 Sep. 2018 Putin dismissed the allegations but dodged the question. — Jennie Neufeld, Vox, "Vox Sentences: Putin on a show," 17 July 2018 Andrew Benintendi hit a grounder to the right side, tried to dodge a tag by first baseman Matt Olson and was called safe. — Gideon Rubin, courant.com, "Oakland Lefty Sean Manaea No-Hits Red Sox, But The Feat's Aided By Controversial Call," 22 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dodge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.