verb

twiddle

TWIH-duhl

Twiddle (verb) means to fidget with or turn something idly with the fingers. Example: “He sat twiddling his pen through the entire meeting.”

verb

To fidget with or turn something idly with the fingers.

"He sat twiddling his pen through the entire meeting."

"She twiddled the radio dial looking for a clear signal."

How to use twiddle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo play absent-mindedly with something small using your fingers.

Common mistake

"Twiddle your thumbs" is a set idiom meaning to sit idle waiting for something, not literally twisting your thumbs together.

Common pairings

twiddle your thumbs twiddle a knob twiddle a dial

Word forms

twiddled past tense, twiddles plural, twiddles singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ the radio dial looking for a clear signal.

Etymology

Origin unclear; possibly a blend of twirl, twist, and fiddle.

Synonyms

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twirl swirl whirl fiddle with

Related words

offer dance roll crack spin rotation stir marble

Rhymes for twiddle

middle fiddle widdle riddle diddle Biddle griddle

See all rhymes for twiddle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “twiddle” mean?

The word “twiddle” means to fidget with or turn something idly with the fingers. In plain terms, to play absent-mindedly with something small using your fingers.

How do you pronounce “twiddle”?

“Twiddle” is pronounced TWIH-duhl (/ˈtwɪdəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “twiddle” in a sentence?

Here is “twiddle” used in a sentence: “She twiddled the radio dial looking for a clear signal.”

What part of speech is “twiddle”?

“Twiddle” is a verb.

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