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

Outside of music, Souther also dabbled with acting. —Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Sep. 2024

In addition to three Grammy awards, recognition for lifetime achievement by the Country Music Association, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, the musician also dabbled in acting and photography. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2024

This isn’t the first time Apple has dabbled in the health care space. —Samantha Delouya, CNN, 10 Sep. 2024

She's ventured into real estate, dabbling in flipping houses, and is a spokesperson for yarn company Lion Brand Yarn. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of dab entry 2

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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