verb
dabble
DAB-uhl
Dabble (verb) means to try an activity casually or occasionally, without serious commitment. Example: “He dabbled in painting during his twenties but never took it seriously.”
verb
1
To try an activity casually or occasionally, without serious commitment.
"He dabbled in painting during his twenties but never took it seriously."
"She's dabbled in a few different careers before settling on teaching."
2
To splash a body part gently in water or soft mud, often playfully.
"The children dabbled their feet in the stream on the hot afternoon."
How to use dabble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo try something a little, casually, without going all in.
Memory tip
If someone "dabbles" in something, they are a hobbyist, not an expert.
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Common pairings
dabble in art
dabble in stocks
dabble in politics
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Word forms
- Plural
- dabbles
- Third person singular
- dabbles
- Past tense
- dabbled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ in painting during his twenties but never took it seriously.
Etymology
From an earlier form "dable," related to "dab," possibly influenced by a Middle Dutch word meaning to fumble or splash about.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for dabble
See all rhymes for dabble →Frequently asked questions
What does “dabble” mean?
The word “dabble” means to try an activity casually or occasionally, without serious commitment. In plain terms, to try something a little, casually, without going all in.
How do you pronounce “dabble”?
“Dabble” is pronounced DAB-uhl (/ˈdæb.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “dabble” in a sentence?
Here is “dabble” used in a sentence: “He dabbled in painting during his twenties but never took it seriously.”
What part of speech is “dabble”?
“Dabble” is a verb.
Where does the word “dabble” come from?
The word “dabble” comes from Dutch. From an earlier form "dable," related to "dab," possibly influenced by a Middle Dutch word meaning to fumble or splash about.
How many meanings does “dabble” have?
“Dabble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to try an activity casually or occasionally, without serious commitment.
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