dabble

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“
I have since retired from that business but still dabble, and run another business in a completely different space with Macs.

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Definitions (14)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (4)

  1. transitive verb To splash or spatter with or as if with a liquid: "The moon hung over the harbor dabbling the waves with gold” (Katherine Mansfield).
  2. intransitive verb To splash liquid gently and playfully.
  3. intransitive verb To undertake something superficially or without serious intent: "The restaurant business entails more than . . . dabbling in interior design” (Andy Birsh).
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Toggle Century definitions Century Dictionary (4)

Toggle GNU Webster definitions GNU Webster's 1913 (2)

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Examples (50)

  • If you'll remember, we actually heard that Celio was looking to dabble in software back at CES, and now the company has selected CTIA to showcase its REDFLY Mobile Viewer. —  Megite Technology News: What's Happening Right Now
  • He needs to try another genre of music to dabble in, cuz his attempt here sucks. —  RealTalkNY Brought To You By Nigel D.
  • A math whiz who left Michigan State to dabble in real estate, Beal has offered a $100,000 prize to anyone who can solve a number-theory puzzle. —  Forbes.com: News
  • It's something they dabble with on stage at the Hammersmith show - an announcement is made prior to their performance, saying that MCR will not play; instead, they'll be replaced by The Black Parade. —  Drowned In Sound // Feed
  • The group is a collaboration of 20 or so members who, like many artists, dabble in various other projects. —  Austinist
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This word has been looked up 118 times.

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Possibly from Dutch dabbelen, frequentative of dabben, to strike, tap.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Early modern English also dable; = Middle Dutch dabbelen, pinch, knead, fumble, dabble, = Icelandic dafla, dabble; freq. and diminutive of dab, v.
 

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/ˈdæbl/
by American Heritage

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