dab

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See also DAB, dåb, and dąb

Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Etymology 1

From Middle English dabbe < possibly imitative.

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to dab

Third person singular
dabs

Simple past
dabbed

Past participle
dabbed

Present participle
dabbing

to dab (third-person singular simple present dabs, present participle dabbing, simple past and past participle dabbed)

  1. (transitive) To press lightly in a repetitive motion with a soft object without rubbing.
    I dabbed my face with a towel.
  2. to apply a substance in this way.
    He dabbed moisturizing liquid on his face.
[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

Singular
dab

Plural
dabs

dab (plural dabs)

  1. A soft tap or blow; a blow or peck from a bird's beak; an aimed blow; dial. a box, a slap.
  2. A small amount, a blob of some soft or wet substance.
  3. (Dated, British) (mostly plural) fingerprint
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations

[edit] Adverb

dab (not comparable)

Positive
dab

Comparative
not comparable

Superlative
none (absolute)

  1. With a dab, or sudden contact.
[edit] Translations

[edit] Etymology 2

This definition is lacking an etymology or has an incomplete etymology. You can help Wiktionary by giving it a proper etymology.

[edit] Noun

Singular
dab

Plural
dabs

dab (plural dabs)

  1. One skilful or proficient, an expert, an adept.
[edit] Translations
[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Etymology 3

Origin unknown.

[edit] Noun

Singular
dab

Plural
dabs

dab (plural dabs)

  1. A small flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae, especially Limanda limanda; flounder.
[edit] Translations

[edit] References

  • Oxford English Dictionary (1989)

[edit] Anagrams