dabble

English

/ˈdæb(ə)l/, /ˈdæbəl/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) To make slightly wet or soiled by spattering or sprinkling a liquid (such as water, mud, or paint) on it; to bedabble.
  • (transitive) To cause splashing by moving a body part like a bill or limb in soft mud, water, etc., often playfully; to play in shallow water; to paddle.
  • (intransitive) To participate or have an interest in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
  • (intransitive) To interfere or meddle in; to tamper with.

Etymology

Suffix from English dab (untidy woman, dip, chit, dive, dabble, small child) derived from Middle Dutch dabbelen (dabble, fumble, knead, pinch).

Origin

Middle Dutch

dabbelen

Gloss

dabble, fumble, knead, pinch

Concept
Semantic Field

Food and drink

Ontological Category

Action/Process

Emoji

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms