First Known Use: 1557
Dictionary
dabble
verb dab·ble \ˈda-bəl\
: to take part in an activity in a way that is not serious
: to play or move around in water
dab·bleddab·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of DABBLE
transitive verb
: to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : spatter
intransitive verb
1
a : to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water b : to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food
2
: to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest <dabbles in art>
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Origin of DABBLE
perhaps frequentative of 2dab
DABBLED Defined for Kids
dabble
verb dab·ble \ˈda-bəl\
dab·bleddab·bling
Definition of DABBLE for Kids
1
: to wet by splashing : spatter
2
: to paddle or play in or as if in water <Ducks dabbled in the pond.>
3
: to work without any deep involvement <I just dabble with art.>
— dab·bler \ˈda-blər\ noun
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