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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- twiddles
- Third person singular
- twiddles
- Past tense
- twiddled
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
View more →Related words
Rhymes for twiddle
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.
