dawdle
verb (used without object)
to waste time; idle; trifle; loiter.
dawdled
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past participleof dawdle.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 dawdle.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
dawdleverb (used without object)to waste time; idle; trifle; loiter.
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.
The ship dawdled for weeks, racking up bills, until a different harbor admitted it, according to the filings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026
In the 71st minute, off quick ball, with excellent field position and Murley lurking wide, Seb Atkinson similarly dawdled too long and had his kick blocked.
From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026
Students dawdled in their first period classes with cameras off, waiting for teachers who had not been able to log in.
From New York Times ● Feb. 13, 2024
When the horses eventually broke from the gate, Zenyatta, as usual, dawdled.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 31, 2023
Ash dawdled behind, stroking the horse’s nose, hoping her stepmother would forget about her.
From "Ash" by Malinda Lo
