verb

dob

Dob (verb) means to inform on someone; to report their wrongdoing to an authority (chiefly Australian/NZ). Example: “Someone dobbed him in for smoking on school grounds.”

verb

To inform on someone; to report their wrongdoing to an authority (chiefly Australian/NZ).

"Someone dobbed him in for smoking on school grounds."

How to use dob

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo tell on someone, snitching them out to a teacher, boss, or other authority.

When to use it

Chiefly Australian and New Zealand slang, usually in the phrase "dob someone in."

Common pairings

dob someone in dob on someone

Word forms

dobbed past tense, dobbed past tense, dobs plural, dobs singular, dobs singular

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Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly from an old English dialect verb dobben.

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “dob” mean?

The word “dob” means to inform on someone; to report their wrongdoing to an authority (chiefly Australian/NZ). In plain terms, to tell on someone, snitching them out to a teacher, boss, or other authority.

How do you pronounce “dob”?

“Dob” is pronounced dob (/dɑb/ in IPA).

How do you use “dob” in a sentence?

Here is “dob” used in a sentence: “Someone dobbed him in for smoking on school grounds.”

What part of speech is “dob”?

“Dob” is a verb.

Where does the word “dob” come from?

The word “dob” comes from Old English. Origin uncertain; possibly from an old English dialect verb dobben.

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