dabble
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.”
How to use dabble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo try something a little, casually, without going all in.
If someone "dabbles" in something, they are a hobbyist, not an expert.
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
dabbled past tense, dabbles plural, dabbles singular
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
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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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