# dawdle

/ˈdɔdəɫ/ (US) · /dˈɔːdəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dawdle
Updated: 2026-10-08

## Definition

to move very slowly or take too much time to do something. You might do this when you don't want to go somewhere or when you are easily distracted.

For teachers: to move aimlessly or lackadaisically, thereby wasting time; to linger needlessly behind others. Often implies a lack of focus or a deliberate attempt to delay an arrival or task.

## Examples

- Don't dawdle on your way to school or you will be late.
- The children tended to dawdle by the shop windows, turning a ten-minute walk into a half-hour journey.
- While the rest of the hikers pressed on toward the summit, a few stayed behind to dawdle near the stream, captivated by the local flora.

## Synonyms

dally, linger, lag, idle, loiter

## Antonyms

Rush, hurry, hasten

## Usage notes

- Intransitive; often followed by 'over' or 'on' when referring to a specific task.

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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.