dabble

views updated May 14 2018

dab·ble / ˈdabəl/ • v. [tr.] immerse (one's hands or feet) in water and move them around gently. ∎  [intr.] (of a waterbird) move the bill around in shallow water while feeding. ∎  [intr.] fig. take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way: he dabbled in writing.DERIVATIVES: dab·bler / ˈdab(ə)lər/ n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

dabble

views updated May 18 2018

dabble make or become wet by splashing or dipping. XVI. — Du. †dabbelen, or f. DAB 1 + -LE 2.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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