dab

C2+ Topic:Actions & Processes

US /dæb/ UK /dæb/ See IPA manual

Minimal pairs

Sounds like dob /æ/ vs /ɑ/

Meanings

1

verb
to press lightly with something soft; a small quantity

She dabbed a little ointment on the wound.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to press lightly with... pat tap blot daub touch smear

Word family

Derived forms dabberdabbing

Related forms daub dabble

Etymology

From Middle English dabben ('to strike'), of uncertain origin, probably imitative; the noun sense 'small quantity' developed from the verb.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

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