dabble

[ dab-uhl ]
/ ˈdæb əl /

verb (used without object), dab·bled, dab·bling.

to play and splash in or as if in water, especially with the hands.
to work at anything in an irregular or superficial manner: to dabble in literature.
(of a duck) to feed on shallow-water vegetation with rapid, splashing movements of the bill.

verb (used with object), dab·bled, dab·bling.

to wet slightly in or with a liquid; splash; spatter.
Chiefly South Midland U.S. to wash or rinse off lightly.

Origin of dabble

1550–60; probably dab1 + -le; compare Dutch dabbelen, dabben

OTHER WORDS FROM dabble

dab·bler, noun dab·bling·ly, adverb un·dab·bled, adjective

Words nearby dabble

Example sentences from the Web for dabbler

British Dictionary definitions for dabbler

dabble
/ (ˈdæbəl) /

verb

to dip, move, or splash (the fingers, feet, etc) in a liquid
(intr; usually foll by in, with, or at) to deal (with) or work (at) frivolously or superficially; play (at)
(tr) to daub, mottle, splash, or smear his face was dabbled with paint

Derived forms of dabble

dabbler, noun

Word Origin for dabble

C16: probably from Dutch dabbelen; see dab 1