View synonyms for dab

dab

[dab]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

dabbed, dabbing

to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist.
The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.
to apply (a substance) by light strokes.
He dabbed the ointment on the rash.
to strike, especially lightly, as with the hand.
to consume (cannabis) by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.
Masonry., to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.
Western U.S., to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something.
Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.

verb (used without object)

dabbed, dabbing

to strike lightly; make a dab; pat.
She dabbed at the stain on her dress.
to consume cannabis by inhaling the vapor of heated cannabis extract oil.
She dabs for a more intense high.

noun

a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.
a small moist lump or mass.
a dab of butter.
Synonyms: smidgen, dollop, bit, pat
a small quantity.
a dab of powder.
a dose of cannabis extract oil.
a dance move that involves posing with one’s nose in the crook of a bent elbow at chest level while extending the other arm to the side at or above shoulder level, often performed as a celebratory posture in sports or other competitions.

dab

[dab]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of several flatfishes of the genus Limanda, especially the European flatfish, L. limanda.

dab

[dab]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Also called dab hand. a person skilled in something; an expert.
an excellent or extraordinary person or thing.

adjective

expert; excellent; extraordinary.

DAB

⁴

Dictionary of American Biography.

dab

/ dæb /

verb

to touch lightly and quickly
(tr) to daub with short tapping strokes
to dab the wall with paint
(tr) to apply (paint, cream, etc) with short tapping strokes

noun

a small amount, esp of something soft or moist
a dab of ink
a small light stroke or tap, as with the hand
(often plural) a slang word for fingerprint

dab

/ dæb /

noun

a small common European brown flatfish, Limanda limanda, covered with rough toothed scales: family Pleuronectidae: a food fish
(often plural) any of various other small flatfish, esp flounders Compare sand dab
Also called: patiki. a sand flounder, Rhombosolea plebia , common around New Zealand's South Island

DAB

abbreviation

digital audio broadcasting

dab

⁴

/ dæb /

noun

informal, See dab hand

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dab¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb dabben “to strike, hit,” of uncertain origin; compare Old Icelandic dabba “to strike, tap,” Norwegian dabbe “to shuffle along, walk slowly,” Middle Dutch dabben “to pinch, knead,” German tappen “to feel along, grope”

Origin of dab²

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps special use of dab ¹

Origin of dab³

First recorded in 1685–95; of uncertain origin

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dab¹

C14: of imitative origin

Origin of dab²

C15: from Anglo-French dabbe, of uncertain origin

Origin of dab³

C17: perhaps from _dab ¹ (vb)

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

When she’s asked to imagine her life after “Hacks,” Einbinder’s face suddenly turns pink, a folded tissue appears, and she’s dabbing away tears.

From Los Angeles Times

Sand dabs and halibut, still edible and plentiful there, were held in a net slung under the hull and served moments later.

From Los Angeles Times

Iron-straight defence, dabs to third man and shuffles off the hips.

From BBC

Both men pushed through the covers, Root played his trademark dabs to third man.

From BBC

He frequently dabbed at the eye and found it difficult to match Rodriguez's pace.

From BBC

Related Words

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When To Use

What else does dab mean?

In slang, dab can be a highly concentrated marijuana extract, a type of hip-hop dance, or touching the ground with your foot while you ride a bicycle.Doing any of these actions is called dabbing, and yes, you could feasibly do all three at once—not that we recommend it.

da dabba

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