twiddle one's thumbs

phrase

Synonyms of twiddle one's thumbsnext
: to spend time idly : do nothing

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Twiddle one's thumbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twiddle%20one%27s%20thumbs. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on twiddle one's thumbs

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!