Dawdle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdɔːdÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -ɔːdÉ™l

Origin

First attested around 1656; variant of daddle ("to walk unsteadily"), perhaps influenced by daw, since the bird was regarded as sluggish and silly. Not in general use until around 1775.

Full definition of dawdle

Verb

1. (intransitive) To spend time idly and unfruitfully, to waste time.
• 2011, October 29, Neil Johnston, Norwich 3 - 3 Blackburn, However all Hennessey's good work went to waste on 52 minutes when he dawdled on the ball.
• JohnsonCome some evening and dawdle over a dish of tea with me.
2. (transitive) To spend (time) without haste or purpose.to dawdle away the whole morning
3. (intransitive) To move or walk lackadaisically.If you dawdle on your daily walk, you won't get as much exercise.
• ThackerayWe ... dawdle up and down Pall Mall.

Noun

1. A dawdler.

Anagrams

• waddle