Doodle

'duːdl

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To draw or scribble idly; to make random marks or designs without paying much attention.

'duːdl

verbneutralBeginner
General

To draw or scribble absentmindedly.

She often doodles in the margins of her books.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're on the phone and absentmindedly drawing little pictures on a notepad. That's doodling! It's a fun, simple way to pass the time when your mind is elsewhere.

👶 For kids: Making silly drawings when you're bored.

More Examples

2

I tend to doodle when I'm on a long phone call.

3

He was so engrossed in the lecture that he started to doodle in his notes.

How It's Used

Everyday Conversation

"He doodled in his notebook during the meeting."

Arts & Crafts

"The artist doodled abstract shapes on the canvas to warm up."

2

An aimless or casual drawing, a scribble.

'duːdl

nounneutralBeginner
Academic

A drawing or scribble made absentmindedly.

The page was covered in doodles.

💡 Simply: That little drawing you make while you're on the phone or in class is called a doodle! It can be anything from random lines to small pictures.

👶 For kids: A picture you draw when you are bored.

More Examples

2

Her doodles reflected her current state of mind.

3

He showed me his notebook filled with whimsical doodles.

How It's Used

General

"The notebook was filled with interesting doodles."

Art

"His doodles showed early signs of his artistic flair."

Tip:Think of something you draw when you are lost in thought.

Synonyms & Antonyms

The origin of 'doodle' is uncertain, but it likely emerged in the 17th century. It may be related to the German word 'dudeln', which means 'to play music badly' or 'to scribble'. The word's use in English developed to encompass both the visual and action of aimless drawing or the act of dawdling.

The word 'doodle' has been used since the early 18th century to describe simple, informal drawings.

Memory tip

Think of doodling while you are bored. Like when you are waiting for someone.

Word Origin

LanguagePossibly German
Original meaning

"related to 'to play music badly' or 'to scribble'"

Base: doodle
doodle indoodle onscribble and doodlea quick doodlean interesting doodle

Common misspellings

doodeldooddle

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written