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.
Later, at Brasserie de Monaco, the principality’s craft beer brewery, I dawdled over a pint of Blonde de Monaco and fell into conversation with Nils, a Danish skipper.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 10, 2026
Not yet knowing what I was in for, though, I dawdled, thinking the journey too far and impractical, until I finally relented about 20 hours before totality over Idaho.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 6, 2024
When No. 23 WSU hosts Northern Colorado this weekend, though, the Cougars will get a chance to sharpen the one part of their offense that has dawdled: The run game.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 15, 2023
Vince and Conway were able to re-find the highest gear, helped by an Originals side that dawdled through their 100 balls.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2023
I dawdled at the door as long as I dared: definitely his suspicions were aroused.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
