dawdle
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
This definition is lacking an etymology or has an incomplete etymology. You can help Wiktionary by giving it a proper etymology. c.1656, perhaps a variant of daddle "to walk unsteadily." Perhaps influenced by daw, since the bird was regarded as sluggish and silly. Not in general use until c.1775.
[edit] Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ɔːdəl
[edit] Verb
dawdle (third-person singular simple present dawdles, present participle dawdling, simple past and past participle dawdled)
- (intransitive) To spend time idly and unfruitfully, to waste time.
- (transitive) To spend (time) without haste or purpose.
- 2011 October 29, Neil Johnston, “Norwich 3 - 3 Blackburn”, BBC Sport:
- However all Hennessey's good work went to waste on 52 minutes when he dawdled on the ball.
- 2011 October 29, Neil Johnston, “Norwich 3 - 3 Blackburn”, BBC Sport:
- (intransitive) To move or walk lackadaisically.
- If you dawdle on your daily walk, you won't get as much exercise.
[edit] Translations
to spend time idly and unfruitfully, to waste time
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to spend (time) without haste or purpose
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to move or walk lackadaisically