Dab
/dæb/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo apply something, usually a liquid or paste, in a quick, light motion.
/dæb/
To apply a small amount of a substance onto a surface.
He dabbed at the wound with a tissue.
💡 Simply: Think of putting a tiny bit of cream on your face, like just a little 'boop' with your finger. That's dabbing!
👶 For kids: To put a little bit of something on something else, like when you put a tiny bit of glue on your paper.
More Examples
She dabbed some perfume on her wrists.
Carefully, she dabbed a bit of solder onto the circuit board.
How It's Used
"The artist gently dabbed paint onto the canvas to create a textured effect."
"She dabbed a little concealer under her eyes to hide the dark circles."
A small, quick application of a substance.
/dæb/
She added a dab of mustard to her hot dog.
💡 Simply: It's like when you get a little dollop of something on your finger, just a small bit. That's a dab!
👶 For kids: A little tiny bit of something, like a little spot of paint.
More Examples
The artist used a dab of red paint for emphasis.
There was a dab of mud on his shoe.
How It's Used
"She applied just a dab of lotion to her dry skin."
"Add a dab of butter to the pan."
A dance move in which a person drops their head while raising one arm straight out to the side and the other arm is raised and bent at the elbow as if coughing into it.
/dæb/
A dance move.
The athlete did a dab after winning the game.
💡 Simply: It's a dance move where you put your head down and one arm up like you're sneezing and the other straight out. It's a way of celebrating!
👶 For kids: A dance move where you put your head down and pretend to cough in your elbow.
More Examples
Dab is a popular dance move, especially among young people.
The crowd erupted in cheers and started dabbing.
How It's Used
"He did a dab after he scored the goal."
"The music video featured dancers doing the dab."
From Middle English dabben, likely of imitative origin, or related to the Old Norse verb *dabba 'to strike'.
The word 'dab' and its variations have been used for several centuries, mainly in the context of applying substances.
Memory tip
Imagine gently touching something with a finger, leaving just a small amount.
Word Origin
"To strike lightly or apply a small amount."