dillydally
verb (used without object)
to waste time, especially by indecision; vacillate; trifle; loiter.
dillydallying
-
present participleof dillydally.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.
"He's not going to be dillydallying," Fodeman said.
From Reuters ● Jan. 4, 2023
What vexes isn’t the duration but the dillydallying.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2021
It’s critical to stop dillydallying and pretending and overvaluing the current roster and get down to the central questions of the Wizards’ future.
From Washington Post ● May 17, 2019
“Why are we dillydallying in protecting a child? The lack of serious urgency about this case is disturbing,” she added.
From New York Times ● Jul. 30, 2018
“You have patients of your own to deal with. Let’s get this young woman intubated and transferred to the OR. That will do her more good than all this dillydallying around!”
From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman
