dabbling

noun

dab·​bling ˈda-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dabbling (audio)
Synonyms of dabblingnext
: a superficial or intermittent interest, investigation, or experiment
his dabblings in philosophy and art

Examples of dabbling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That initial dabbling didn’t come with Olympic aspirations. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026 Perhaps in season four, the moms could take that advanced therapy talk foundation and add in some dabblings in postmodernist theory. — Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025 Many of his cases involve wives who were not only unaware of their husband’s crypto dabbling, but when the assets are finally split, can be socked with a massive tax bill from capital gains. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2025 Image His dabbling in politics ultimately led to a run for the presidency in 1990. — Simon Romero, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dabbling

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dabbling was circa 1847

Rhymes for dabbling

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Browse Nearby Words

dabbler
dabbling
dabblingly
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Cite this Entry

“Dabbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dabbling. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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