dabble

American  

[dab-uhl] / ˈdæb əl /

verb (used without object)

dabbled, dabbling

1. to play and splash in or as if in water, especially with the hands.

2. to work at anything in an irregular or superficial manner.

   to dabble in literature.

   Synonyms:

   dally, toy, fiddle, putter

3. (of a duck) to feed on shallow-water vegetation with rapid, splashing movements of the bill.

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verb (used with object)

dabbled, dabbling

1. to wet slightly in or with a liquid; splash; spatter.

2. Chiefly South Midland U.S. to wash or rinse off lightly.

dabble British  

/ ˈdæbəl /

verb

1. to dip, move, or splash (the fingers, feet, etc) in a liquid

2. (intr; usually foll by in, with, or at) to deal (with) or work (at) frivolously or superficially; play (at)

3. (tr) to daub, mottle, splash, or smear

   his face was dabbled with paint

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Other Word Forms

• dabbler noun
• dabblingly adverb
• undabbled adjective

Etymology

Origin of dabble

1550–60; probably dab ¹ + -le; compare Dutch dabbelen, dabben

Example Sentences

Some investors, especially younger professionals, already dabble in crypto before they seek an adviser.

From MarketWatch

The directors, who have also dabbled in the “Scream” franchise, would rather get a laugh than a gasp.

From Los Angeles Times

It was by the grace of her academic spirit that her oeuvre expanded into other languages, genres and instruments; in “She Wolf” she dabbled in dance-pop.

From Los Angeles Times

I have dabbled in stocks for most of my working life.

From Barron's

There is no shame in Gyllenhaal’s game, and her honest excitement to dabble with references and emotion is refreshing, even when these moments grate.

From Salon