dabble

verb

dab·​ble ˈda-bəl 

dabbled; dabbling ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest

dabbles in art

2

a

: 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

Examples of dabble in a Sentence

The ducks dabbled in the stream.

She sat by the pool, dabbling her feet in the cool water.

Recent Examples on the Web

El Vuelo — all songs co-penned by the Mexican icon herself — serves as a testament to Trevi’s ability to reinvent herself dabbling with new styles and genres without losing her core pop sound. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 2 May 2025

Bright’s work in costume design has always dabbled in period dramas. —Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 2 May 2025

Middleton has dabbled in lighter, blonder tones before, but it's been awhile. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 May 2025

Kailyn Lowry Opens Up About Life After Reality TV, 15 Years After Her Memorable 16 and Pregnant Episode (Exclusive) Isaac, who turned 15 in January, has been dabbling in a public-facing life, slowly entering the young influencer space with Lowry keeping a close eye every step of the way. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of dab entry 2

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for dabble

• babble
• babel
• drabble
• gabble
• nabal
• rabble
• scrabble
• immeasurable

Kids Definition

dabble

verb

dab·​ble ˈdab-əl 

dabbled; dabbling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to wet by splashing : spatter

2

a

: to paddle or play in or as if in water

b

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

ducks dabbled in the pond

3

: to work or concern oneself lightly or without deep involvement

they dabble in poetry

dabbler

-(ə-)lər

noun