dabbled; dabbling
ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
: to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest
dabbles in art
2
a
: to paddle, splash, or play in or as if in water
b
: to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water in order to obtain food
: to wet by splashing or by little dips or strokes : spatter
Examples of dabble in a Sentence
The ducks dabbled in the stream.
She sat by the pool, dabbling her feet in the cool water.
Recent Examples on the Web
Even my father, who dabbled with the Jewish community in his youth, didn’t stay involved.
—
Maria Zimina, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
On the other hand, dabbling in danger makes a person resilient.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
But the company also dabbles in backcountry apparel and accessories, and the Ultralight Camp Shoes are one of its latest wearable accessory launches.
—New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025
Whether sweeping hair into elegant updos for Keke Palmer, slicking down tendrils for Noah Cyrus’ wet looks, or dabbling in vibrant and bold colors, creativity is always the goal.
—Jessica Fields, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dabble
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Maria Zimina, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
On the other hand, dabbling in danger makes a person resilient.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
But the company also dabbles in backcountry apparel and accessories, and the Ultralight Camp Shoes are one of its latest wearable accessory launches.
—New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2025
Whether sweeping hair into elegant updos for Keke Palmer, slicking down tendrils for Noah Cyrus’ wet looks, or dabbling in vibrant and bold colors, creativity is always the goal.
—Jessica Fields, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dabble
Cite this Entry
“Dabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dabble. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dabble
verb
dab·ble
ˈdab-əl
dabbled; dabbling
-(ə-)liŋ
1
: to wet by splashing : spatter
2
a
: to paddle or play in or as if in water
b
: to reach with the bill to the bottom of shallow water to obtain food
ducks dabbled in the pond
3
: to work or concern oneself lightly or without deep involvement
they dabble in poetry
dabbler
noun
-(ə-)lər
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