ˈdæb(ə)l ˈdæbəl ˈsmæ.tə ˈsmæ.təɹ bob forward and under so as to feed off the bottom of a body of water dabbling ducks dip a foot or hand briefly into a liquid work with in an amateurish manner She dabbles in astronomy He plays around with investments but he never makes any money play in or as if in water, as of small children