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.
Inside, women are dabbing moisturizers, sampling eye shadows and swabbing lipsticks.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 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
When she’s asked to imagine her life after “Hacks,” Einbinder’s face suddenly turns pink, a folded tissue appears, and she’s dabbing away tears.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 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
She starts dabbing herself, cleaning her clothes, face, and hands.
From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein
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.
