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dabble

dab·ble [ ˈda-bəl]

dabble

verb

[ˈda-bəl]

dabbled; dabbling\ ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ \

Definition of dabble

intransitive verb

1 : to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest
//dabbles in art

2a : to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water

b : to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food

transitive verb

: to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : spatter

Recent Examples on the Web

//Rich Mayor has been a high school sports reporter and editor since August 2011, occasionally dabbling in the college and pro ranks.
— Rich Mayor, chicagotribune.com, "Kate McLaughlin’s stellar season leads New Trier to field hockey state title," 9 Nov. 2019
//While 8 percent of San Diego eleventh-graders have ever tried cigarettes, more than three times as many -- 26 percent -- have dabbled in vaping, the survey reported.
— San Diego Union-Tribune, "‘Vaping in the boys’ room’; schools grapple with surge in teen’s use of e-cigarettes," 6 Oct. 2019
//Though this is not the first time Rihanna’s dabbled in the micro bag trend, this latest style seems especially surprising in the hands of such megastar talent.
— Gina Marinelli, Glamour, "Rihanna’s Miniature Carry-On Luggage: A Big Mood," 9 Sep. 2019
//For those that don’t mind dabbling in small companies, S4 could prove the smarter bet on the future of advertising.
— Stephen Wilmot, WSJ, "Buying Ads in the Age Of Google," 14 Dec. 2018
//Dyson doesn't just deal in space-conscious and stylish vacuums, the elevated home brand also dabbles in hi-tech hair care and air enhancers, too.
— Elizabeth Buxton, refinery29.com, "This 55%-Off Dyson Sale Won't Last Long," 24 Aug. 2019
//The menu dabbles in Asian flavors in a couple of entrees.
— Phil Vettel, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Sky's the limit with ambitious Santo Cielo," 18 May 2018
//She's dabbled in everything from research on pelagic invertebrates to animations about beer to podcasts about fake tumbleweed farms.
— Rose Eveleth, Scientific American, "Your Employer May Be Spying on You—and Wasting Its Time," 16 Aug. 2019
//Long before agencies began dabbling in film and TV production, managers learned that a starry client list could lead to a fruitful producing career.
— Tatiana Siegel, The Hollywood Reporter, "For Hollywood Talent Managers, Outside Investors Bring Issues of Control," 31 July 2019

First Known Use of dabble

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

History and Etymology for dabble

perhaps frequentative of dab entry 2

Dictionary Entries near dabble

More Synonyms and Antonyms ofdabble

Synonyms & Antonyms of dabble

to take part in an activity in a superficial way

She dabbled in drawing and painting but sculpture was her favorite medium.

Synonyms and Near Synonyms for dabble

trifle

flirt (with)

Antonyms and Near Antonyms for dabble

More Definitions fordabble

dabble

verb

English Language Learners Definition of dabble

: to take part in an activity in a way that is not serious

: to play or move around in water

dabble

verb

dab·ble | \ ˈda-bəl \

dabbled; dabbling

Kids Definition of dabble

1 : to wet by splashing : spatter

2 : to paddle or play in or as if in water
//Ducks dabbled in the pond.

3 : to work without any deep involvement
//I just dabble with art.