# dabbing

/ˈdæbɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈæbɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dabbing
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by 'on', 'at', or 'with' to show the surface touched or the tool used.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.