Search Dictionary
Definition of dawdle

dawdle

/ˈdɔː.dəl/
daw · dle
Plural:dawdles
•
Past Simple:dawdled
•
Past Participle:dawdled
•
Present Participle:dawdling
JUMP TO:

dawdle Lexical Profile

dawdle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To waste time by moving, acting, or working more slowly than necessary; to linger aimlessly.

Example

"If we continue to dawdle in the lobby, we will miss the beginning of the concert."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dawdle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dawdle

• noun

1

An act of moving slowly or wasting time; a leisurely, unhurried walk or pace.

Example

"Their morning walk to school turned into a slow dawdle through the neighborhood park."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dawdle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dawdle

• Rhymes for dawdle

• Nearby Words

davies creek
davies creek falls
davy
dawdle
dawdler
dawn
dawson

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-17th century, probably a variant of the dialectal word 'daddle' (to walk unsteadily or waste time), influenced by 'dally'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dawdle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dawdle
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.