verb
meddle
MEHD-uhl
Meddle (verb) means to interfere in matters that are not one's concern. Example: “Stop meddling in your sister's marriage.”
verb
1
To interfere in matters that are not one's concern.
"There is much to dislike about the proposed constitution, which will keep elected governments beholden to a senate nominated by the junta and to a suite of meddling committees."
— , Thailand's new king rejects the army's proposed constitution (2017)
"Stop meddling in your sister's marriage."
"The new manager kept meddling with a project he knew nothing about."
How to use meddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo butt into other people's business uninvited.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "medal" (an award) — they sound different but are sometimes misspelled by learners.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
meddle in affairs
meddle with
don't meddle
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- meddles
- Past tense
- meddled
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman medler, from Late Latin misculāre, from Latin misceō ("to mix") — the sense narrowed from "to mix in" to "to interfere".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for meddle
See all rhymes for meddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “meddle” mean?
The word “meddle” means to interfere in matters that are not one's concern. In plain terms, to butt into other people's business uninvited.
How do you pronounce “meddle”?
“Meddle” is pronounced MEHD-uhl (/ˈmɛd.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “meddle” in a sentence?
Here is “meddle” used in a sentence: “Stop meddling in your sister's marriage.”
What part of speech is “meddle”?
“Meddle” is a verb.
Where does the word “meddle” come from?
The word “meddle” comes from Late Latin. From Anglo-Norman medler, from Late Latin misculāre, from Latin misceō ("to mix") — the sense narrowed from "to mix in" to "to interfere".
