dab
dab Lexical Profile
dab Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small amount of a substance, especially a liquid or paste, that is applied lightly.
"She added a dab of butter to the freshly baked potatoes before serving them."
A modern dance move or celebratory gesture in which the dancer drops their head into the crook of one upwardly angled arm while pointing the opposite arm straight out.
"The athlete celebrated his winning goal by performing a quick dab toward the cheering crowd."
A commercially important marine flatfish of the flounder family, found in the shallow shelf waters of the North Sea and surrounding European coasts.
"The local fishermen reported an excellent catch of dab off the coast of Scotland."
• verb
To press lightly and repeatedly against a surface with a piece of absorbent material, typically to clean, dry, or soothe.
"He used a napkin to gently dab the spill from his shirt."
To apply a small amount of a substance, such as paint or cream, with light, quick strokes.
"The artist decided to dab a little bright blue paint onto the canvas to highlight the sky."
To perform a celebratory gesture or dance move by dropping the head into the crook of a slanted arm while extending the other arm outward.
"The students began to dab enthusiastically when the music started playing at the pep rally."
• Rhymes for dab
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'dabben' (to strike or tap), likely of imitative origin reflecting a quick, light blow. The noun sense referring to the flatfish is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the same root due to its flat appearance.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.