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

His moustache rode up and down like a wooly worm as he twiddled his lips, studying me.

From Literature

Swinney accused UK ministers of "twiddling their thumbs" while the cost of living for rural households skyrockets.

From BBC

“It’s not like we’re twiddling our thumbs and trying to get some money. This is a very serious condition,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

When he focused on keeping his left foot still, his claws twiddled.

From Literature

Meanwhile Miami, which had been ranked behind Notre Dame, and like the Irish, had been inactive and twiddling thumbs over conference championship weekend, vaulted over South Bend.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fidget