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Synonyms

fiddling

American  
[fid-ling] / ˈfɪd lɪŋ /

adjective

  1. trifling; trivial.

    a fiddling sum of money.


fiddling British  
/ ˈfɪdlɪŋ /

adjective

  1. trifling or insignificant; petty

  2. another word for fiddly

"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

Etymology

Origin of fiddling

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at fiddle, -ing 2

Vocabulary lists containing fiddling

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.

Google Calendar provides a “secret address” in settings so you can avoid any API fiddling.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Neville is skeptical that businesses will be fiddling around with AI products to create their own cybersecurity.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

Researchers quietly work away, fiddling with parts of the machine.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

That means any game made for PC is going to work here - even if it takes a bit of fiddling to make it run properly.

From BBC • Oct. 15, 2025

He leans back in his seat with a sigh, fiddling with the radio’s dial.

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender

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