1 diddle | Definition of diddle
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diddle

verb
did·​dle | \ ˈdi-dᵊl How to pronounce diddle (audio) \
diddled; diddling\ ˈdid-​liÅ‹ How to pronounce diddling (audio) , -​dᵊl-​iÅ‹ \

Definition of diddle

transitive verb

1 chiefly dialectal : to move with short rapid motions
2 : to waste (time) in trifling
3 : hoax, swindle
4 usually vulgar : to copulate with

intransitive verb

1 : dawdle, fool
2 : fiddle, toy —usually used with with diddled with the machine until it broke
Other Words from diddle Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about diddle

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Other Words from diddle

diddler \ ˈdid-​lÉ™r How to pronounce diddler (audio) , -​dᵊl-​É™r \ noun

Examples of diddle in a Sentence

He had tried to diddle his insurance agency. She felt she had been diddled out of her inheritance.

First Known Use of diddle

1786, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for diddle

origin unknown

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More Definitions for diddle

diddle

verb
How to pronounce diddle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of diddle

informal
US : to spend time doing something or handling something in an aimless way
British : to steal money from (someone) by cheating

See the full definition for diddle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on diddle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with diddle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for diddle

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