dawdle
verb (used without object)
to waste time; idle; trifle; loiter.
dawdling
-
present participleof dawdle.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Cut a dawdling fight scene here and an interminable escape scene there, and the film would make a delightful in-universe companion to precede next summer’s “Superman” sequel, “Man of Tomorrow.”
From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026
Like, just in case someone’s dawdling, or being careless about where they’re dumping snow.
From Slate ● Feb. 24, 2026
They try to take advantage of Anna Patten dawdling at the byeline as she's dispossessed by Martina Piemonte, but the rest of the Villa defence get back to ensure she can't move towards goal.
From BBC ● Mar. 15, 2024
Wearing an electric blue jacket emblazoned with the words “Tell Your Dog I Said Hi,” she crouches low to film a dawdling old pug named Jojo with her iPhone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 8, 2024
The young kids openly resented their parents’ dawdling in the Store and Uncle Willie would call them in and spread among them bits of sweet peanut patties that had been broken in shipping.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
