twiddle

American  

[twid-l] / ˈtwɪd l /

verb (used with object)

twiddled, twiddling

1. to turn about or play with lightly or idly, especially with the fingers; twirl.

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verb (used without object)

twiddled, twiddling

1. to play or trifle idly with something; fiddle.

2. to turn about lightly; twirl.

noun

1. the act of twiddling; turn; twirl.

idioms

1. twiddle one's thumbs, to do nothing; be idle.

   Business was slack, and the salespeople were twiddling their thumbs.

twiddle British  

/ ˈtwɪdəl /

verb

1. to twirl or fiddle (with), often in an idle way

2. to do nothing; be unoccupied

3. (intr) to turn, twirl, or rotate

4. rare (intr) to be occupied with trifles

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noun

1. an act or instance of twiddling

Other Word Forms

• twiddler
  noun

Etymology

Origin of twiddle

1530–40; perhaps blend of twitch and fiddle

Example Sentences

Biden said he had tasked his entire administration with finding levers to pull and knobs to twiddle that might reduce inflation.

From Salon • May 28, 2024

"I could either twiddle my thumbs or I could do something to help people and open," he said.

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2023

After engaging the system, you can twiddle your toes and put your hands in the air like you just don’t care.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2022

We have no more time to twiddle our collective thumbs.

From The Guardian • Sep. 11, 2020

“I twiddle about with lines of verse now and then, but it’s only a hobby. In any case, thank you for indulging me.”

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

• fidget