fiddly

adjective

fid·​dly ˈfi-dᵊl-ē How to pronounce fiddly (audio)
chiefly British
: requiring close attention to detail : fussy
especially : requiring an annoying amount of close attention
the tiny control buttons on the back are fiddly M. J. McNamara

Examples of fiddly in a Sentence

connecting up all the wires and the other fiddly bits
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That was a 326 pixels per inch screen, offering some idea as to how fiddly to make these current and upcoming micro OLED displays must be. Andrew Williams, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 The fiddly nature of the set and lack of play features mean this is a Lego build that's definitely aimed at older fans. Rich Owen, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2025 Years before analog thumbsticks would become a console standard, this thumbstick feels incredibly fiddly for the console's completely digital directional inputs. Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024 In automotive, though, where weight typically isn't as crucial and volume is king, it's been viewed as too slow, too expensive and too fiddly, so it's mainly been used for rapid prototyping and concept work – and the odd ultra-exclusive hypercar. New Atlas, 19 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fiddly

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fiddly was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Fiddly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiddly. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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