meddling

American  

[med-ling] / ˈmɛd lɪŋ /

adjective

1. interfering or getting involved in a matter without any right or invitation.

   Comedic complications arise when a meddling friend attempts to rekindle the spark in the couple’s tired marriage.

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noun

1. the act or habit of interfering or getting involved in something without any right or invitation.

   The company will work independently, and there won't be any meddling by the government.

Other Word Forms

• meddlingly adverb
• unmeddling adjective
• unmeddlingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of meddling

First recorded in 1375–1425; meddle ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; meddle ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

The sparks between them are obvious, and Appa, the soul of indiscretion, can’t help meddling in his overbearing way.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

It’s a near-catastrophic narrative oversight that, like a handful of other plot holes, reeks of studio meddling by Warner Bros. after early test screenings failed to meet expectations.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Smith affirmed Thursday that she "would expect that the US administration would respect Canadian sovereignty," and said she would raise any issues related to referendum meddling with Washington.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Wednesday's verdict, however, will focus on Kim allegedly accepting other bribes from the Unification Church, as well as her alleged involvement in Deutsch Motors stock manipulation and alleged election meddling.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

The death of Violetta was meant to strike shame into Verdi’s audiences’ hearts, as it did the meddling father of her lover in the final scene.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall