dabble
verb (used without object)
to play and splash in or as if in water, especially with the hands.
dabbled
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past participleof dabble.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof dabble.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
dabbleverb (used without object)to play and splash in or as if in water, especially with the hands.
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.
TMO: We are both rural Pennsylvania boys who played sports, dabbled in acting, and now work in art and fashion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
It has dabbled in value with its $10.99 “Boardwalk Bundle,” while also using limited-time offerings such as its popular chicken salad to broaden its appeal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026
A teacher by profession, Rocha has dabbled both in academia and politics throughout his career.
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
"I've never followed it religiously, but I dabbled in a little bit of weight training and I tried running, although I didn't like that very much," said Bill.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
He worked with animals too and, having studied in France, he even dabbled in the new practice of embalming bodies before they were buried.
From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck
