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dabble Definition

dab·ble (dabəl)

transitive verb -·bled, -·bling

  1. to dip lightly in and out of a liquid
  2. to wet by dipping, splashing, or sprinkling

Etymology: Du dabbelen, freq. of MDu dabben, to strike, dab

intransitive verb

  1. to play in water, as with the hands
  2. to do something superficially, not seriously: with in or at to dabble in art

dabble Related Forms

dab·bler noun

dabble Synonyms

dabble

v.

trifle with, putter, fiddle with, dip into, engage in superficially, amuse oneself with, dally, flirt with, toy with, be an amateur, have a dilettante's interest, idle away time, make slight efforts, do something in a light manner, scratch the surface, have sport with, tinker, putter around, diddle*, fool with*, fool around*. *

Antonyms delve into, work at, become an expert.

dabble Usage Examples

Object

  • duck: Also over a thousand dabbling duck, which had included Baikal Teal the previous week.
  • bit: Neil Kinnock - The Welsh former Labor Leader who still dabbles a bit in politics!

Preposition: with

  • drug: Britney Spears revealed she has dabbled with drugs in the past.
  • bit: Off we went to Pizza Hut where some dabbled with a bit of Spanish, others ' I'll have a pizza, cheers!
  • thing: Having read this, it feels like the Government are dabbling with too many small things.
  • computer: This time they've collaborated with fellow traveler Beck and dabbled with computers.
  • occult: Using materials from little-known publications and archives, Lucifer Ascending details the true social function of individuals ' dabbling with the occult.
  • theme: Although I have my studies starting soon I think I may still keep dabbling with WordPress themes.

Modifying Another Word

  • occasionally: Andy's much the same but does occasionally dabble in American bottled beers, which we readily mock him for.
  • even: I'm interested in theories of musical analysis as well, and have even dabbled in Mozart studies.
  • also: Do you DJ just hiphop or also dabble in other music genres?
  • just: Do I just dabble a little in each or should I take a closer look?
  • still: Neil Kinnock - The Welsh former Labor Leader who still dabbles a bit in politics!
  • never: Scientists never dabble in anything, they always make a very careful study of their subject.

Preposition: in

  • occult: For some, dabbling in the occult can become a way of life.
  • witchcraft: I've had too many experiences now where even adults can be disturbed by dabbling in witchcraft.
  • theology: I play fiddle ( traditional ), read science fiction, dabble in theology, and write about whatever takes my fancy.
  • magic: Dawn throws out her invisible foe, but is perhaps dabbling in magic too powerful for her to cope with.
  • politics: I pay my taxes properly and have neither the time nor much of a desire to dabble in politics.
  • drug: He ran with a fast set, stayed out late at clubs, and dabbled in drugs.

Browse dictionary entries near dabble

  1. dab hand
  2. dab
  3. da Vinci
  4. Da Nang
  5. Da Hinggan Ling
  6. da Gama
  7. da capo
  8. da
  9. D4
  10. D3
  1. dabbler
  2. dabchick
  3. dabs
  4. dabster
  5. DAC
  6. Dacca
  7. dace
  8. dacha
  9. Dachau
  10. Dache¤  , Lilly