dibble

[ dib-uhl ]

/ ˈdɪb əl /

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See synonyms for dibble on Thesaurus.com

noun

Also dib·ber

[dib-er]. /ˈdɪb ər/. a small, handheld, pointed implement for making holes in soil for planting seedlings, bulbs, etc.

verb (used with object), dib·bled, dib·bling.

to make a hole (in the ground) with or as if with a dibble.

to set (plants) in holes made with a dibble.

verb (used without object), dib·bled, dib·bling.

to work with a dibble.

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Origin of dibble

1325–75; late Middle English, perhaps akin to dib

OTHER WORDS FROM dibble

dibbler, noun

Words nearby dibble

Dibai, dibasic, dibasic acid, dibasic potassium phosphate, dibatag, dibble, dibbuk, Dibelius, Dibenzyline, D'Iberville, diborane

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use dibble in a sentence

Dibble was subsequently named deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in London.
Congress: Hillary’s Benghazi Investigation Let Top Officials Escape Blame|Josh Rogin|September 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Jones and Dibble were responsible for security in Libya, Maxwell and three State Department officials said.
Exclusive: Hillary’s Benghazi ‘Scapegoat’ Speaks Out|Josh Rogin|May 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The House vote was followed three days later by a vote in the Senate, led by Scott Dibble, an openly gay senator.
How Anti-Gay Forces Helped Minnesota Legalize Same-Sex Marriage|Rep. Karen Clark|May 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Ann Dibble Jordan is a former Chicagoan with deep ties to the University of Chicago, where she is a trustee emeritus.
Ms. Jarrett Goes To Washington|Lynn Sweet|November 24, 2008|DAILY BEAST

A dibble made of a round and sharp-pointed stick is the usual tool for making holes when setting tomato and other plants.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
“A dibble and a corn-dropper will be more in his way than the rifle, for some weeks to come,” said Mr. Howell.
The Boy Settlers|Noah Brooks
I saw you always used the right leg to jam down the dibble with, and then you kicked the hole full with the right heel.
The Boy Settlers|Noah Brooks
The soles of their feet were sore with the pressure needed to jam the dibble through the tough turf.
The Boy Settlers|Noah Brooks
Put the plant in its place, thrust the dibble down at a sharp angle with the plant, and below it, and move it up to it.
Soil Culture|J. H. Walden

British Dictionary definitions for dibble (1 of 3)

dibble¹

/ (ˈdɪbəl) /

noun

Also called (esp Brit): dibber (ˈdɪbə) a small hand tool used to make holes in the ground for planting or transplanting bulbs, seeds, or roots

verb

to make a hole in (the ground) with a dibble

to plant (bulbs, seeds, etc) with a dibble

Derived forms of dibble

dibbler, noun

Word Origin for dibble

C15: of obscure origin

British Dictionary definitions for dibble (2 of 3)

dibble²

/ (ˈdɪbəl) /

verb (intr)

a variant of dib

a less common word for dabble

British Dictionary definitions for dibble (3 of 3)

dibble³

/ (ˈdɪbəl) /

noun

British slang a policeman

Word Origin for dibble

C20: allusion to the police officer of that name in the children's animated cartoon Top Cat

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

dibble

Origin of dibble

OTHER WORDS FROM dibble

Words nearby dibble

Words related to dibble

How to use dibble in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dibble (1 of 3)

Derived forms of dibble

Word Origin for dibble

British Dictionary definitions for dibble (2 of 3)

British Dictionary definitions for dibble (3 of 3)

Word Origin for dibble