dab
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Etymology 1
From Middle English dabbe, from possibly imitative.
[edit] Verb
dab (third-person singular simple present dabs, present participle dabbing, simple past and past participle dabbed)
- (transitive) To press lightly in a repetitive motion with a soft object without rubbing.
- I dabbed my face with a towel.
- to apply a substance in this way.
- He dabbed moisturizing liquid on his face.
[edit] Translations
[edit] Noun
dab (plural dabs)
- A soft tap or blow; a blow or peck from a bird's beak; an aimed blow; dial. a box, a slap.
- A small amount, a blob of some soft or wet substance.
- (Dated, British) (mostly plural) fingerprint
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
soft tap
small amount, blob
fingerprint — see fingerprint
[edit] Adverb
dab (not comparable)
[edit] Translations
with a dab
[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
dab (plural dabs)
- One skilful or proficient, an expert, an adept.
[edit] Translations
one skilful or proficient, an expert, an adept
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Etymology 3
Origin unknown.
[edit] Noun
dab (plural dabs)
- A small flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae, especially Limanda limanda； flounder.
[edit] Translations
flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae
[edit] References
- Oxford English Dictionary (1989)
