Word
dabbing
Phoneticsdab·bing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdæbɪŋ/
UK/dˈæbɪŋ/
Definition
v. to touch something very lightly and quickly, often many times. You do this when you put on cream or paint, or when you dry tears.
v. to touch or press lightly in quick, repeated strokes; to apply a substance by such light touches. Takes a direct object for the thing touched, often with 'on', 'at', or 'with' to show the surface or tool.
Examples
“She is dabbing paint on the paper with a sponge.”
“He keeps dabbing his forehead with a tissue because the office is very hot today.”
“The artist stands back, dabbing highlights onto the dark canvas until the streetlamps seem to glow against the night.”
Examples
simple
“She is dabbing paint on the paper with a sponge.”
contextual
“He keeps dabbing his forehead with a tissue because the office is very hot today.”
complex
“The artist stands back, dabbing highlights onto the dark canvas until the streetlamps seem to glow against the night.”
Usage
Often followed by 'on', 'at', or 'with' to show the surface touched or the tool used.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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