dabbing
Americannoun
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the consumption of cannabis by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.
Experts agree that dabbing is more addictive than smoking.
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Also called dabbin'. the act of performing a dance move that involves posing with one’s nose in the crook of a bent elbow at chest level while extending the other arm to the side at or above shoulder level, often as a celebratory posture in sports or other competitions.
Etymology
Origin of dabbing
First recorded in 2000–05; dab 1 ( def. ) (in the sense “to consume cannabis” dabbing for def. 1; in the sense “a dance step” dabbing for def. 2 ) + -ing 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“He never told anyone what to say,” she said, occasionally dabbing her eyes with a tissue as she spoke.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025
"You have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have," she said, dabbing away tears and occasionally pausing to collect herself.
From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025
In the courtroom, Giles’ mother, wearing a “Christy’s Mom” shirt, and several other women who showed up in support of the victims could be seen hugging and dabbing their eyes.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2025
These modern sweaters can feature your favorite band, a dabbing Santa, or obscene holiday innuendo, or they may come with 3D plushie elements that ratchet up the tacky factor.
From Slate • Dec. 12, 2024
“Yes, of course,” said Slughorn quietly, still dabbing at his white face.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
