1 dab | Definition of dab

dab

noun (1)
\ ˈdab How to pronounce dab (audio) \

Definition of dab

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a sudden blow or thrust : poke
2 : a small amount
3 : a gentle touch or stroke : pat
4 : daub

dab

verb
dabbed; dabbing

Definition of dab (Entry 2 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to strike or touch lightly : pat dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief
2 : to apply lightly or irregularly : daub dab paint

intransitive verb

: to make a dab

dab

noun (2)

Definition of dab (Entry 3 of 5)

: flatfish especially : any of several flounders (genus Limanda, especially L. limanda) — compare sand dab

dab

noun (3)

Definition of dab (Entry 4 of 5)

chiefly British
: a skillful person

Definition of DAB (Entry 5 of 5)

Dictionary of American Biography

Other Words from dab

Verb

dabber noun

First Known Use of dab

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1691, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for dab

Noun (1)

Middle English dabbe

Noun (2)

Anglo-French dabbe

Noun (3)

origin unknown

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More Definitions for dab

dab

verb

English Language Learners Definition of dab

: to lightly touch (something) usually with quick, small motions
: to put something on something with quick, small motions

dab

noun
\ ˈdab How to pronounce dab (audio) \

Kids Definition of dab

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a small amount Add a dab of butter.
2 : a light quick touch

dab

verb
dabbed; dabbing

Kids Definition of dab (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to strike or touch lightly Dabbing at his streaming nose, Filch squinted unpleasantly at Harry …— J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets
2 : to apply with light or uneven strokes She dabbed on more paint.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dab

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with dab

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dab

Spanish Central: Translation of dab

Nglish: Translation of dab for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of dab for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dab

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