Showing results for "meddling"

• present participle of meddle.

meddling

American  

[med-ling] / ˈmɛd lɪŋ /

adjective

1. interfering or getting involved in a matter without any right or invitation.

   Comedic complications arise when a meddling friend attempts to rekindle the spark in the couple’s tired marriage.

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noun

1. the act or habit of interfering or getting involved in something without any right or invitation.

   The company will work independently, and there won't be any meddling by the government.

Other Word Forms

• unmeddling
  adjective
• meddlingly
  adverb
• unmeddlingly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of meddling

First recorded in 1375–1425; meddle ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; meddle ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

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Explanation

Meddling is getting involved in something despite that fact that your participation is completely unwanted. If your parents planned out your entire social life, you'd be justified in accusing them of meddling. To meddle is to "interfere in something that's not your concern," and it comes from a root meaning "to mix." Meddling can be used as a noun or as an adjective, to describe annoying people who poke their noses into your business. If you've ever watched old Scooby Doo cartoons, you've heard a villain complain about "those meddling kids!"

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

meddling

This would free it from Congressional meddling, enable it to make long-term investments, and impose much-needed accountability.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

Coogler’s recent deal with Warner Bros. to regain ownership rights to his smash hit “Sinners” was a boon for filmmakers who’ve long been frustrated with studio greed and meddling.

From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026

Political parties have traditionally shunned meddling in races where they lack a candidate of their own, experts said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

"I am against any country in the world meddling and exercising political interference," he said last month.

From Barron's ● May 6, 2026

The Smokies hunted, but they were like the rangers, killing only species that didn’t belong in this part of the world or that had gotten out of control thanks to the Rusties’ meddling.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

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