meddle

verb

med·​dle ˈme-dᵊl 

meddled; meddling

ˈmed-liŋ,

ˈme-dᵊl-iŋ 

intransitive verb

: to interest oneself in what is not one's concern : interfere without right or propriety (see propriety sense 1)

I never meddle in other people's private affairs

—G. B. Shaw

meddler

ˈmed-lər  ˈme-dᵊl-ər 

noun

Synonyms

• interfere
• mess

Examples of meddle in a Sentence

please stop meddling in your sister's marriage, even though you mean well

Recent Examples on the Web

Swalwell was a member of the House Intelligence Committee and a driving force in the investigation into whether Russia meddled in the 2016 election. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025

There’s a fine line between meddling and offering the type of oversight and stewardship necessary over a front office and staff that deserves no benefit of the doubt. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

Gabriel then meddles in their lives, soul-swapping Jeff and Arj's lives so each has a chance to live the other's experience. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025

To elevate the roadhouse into a top-tier venue, Dalton confronts meddling patrons with a cutthroat, no-nonsense policy. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English medlen, from Anglo-French mesler, medler, from Vulgar Latin *misculare, from Latin miscēre to mix — more at mix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for meddle

• bedell
• heddle
• medal
• pedal
• peddle
• wedel
• bipedal
• intermeddle

Kids Definition

meddle

verb

med·​dle ˈmed-ᵊl 

meddled; meddling ˈmed-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

: to interest oneself in what is not one's concern

meddle in another's business

meddler

ˈmed-lər 

-ᵊl-ər

noun