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Definition of twiddle

twiddle

/ˈtwɪd.əl/
twid · dle
Plural:twiddles
•
Past Simple:twiddled
•
Past Participle:twiddled
•
Present Participle:twiddling
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twiddle Lexical Profile

twiddle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To twist, turn, or manipulate something idly, nervously, or repeatedly with the fingers.

Example

"He sat in the waiting room and began to twiddle his thumbs while waiting for his appointment."

Synonyms
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• noun

1

A slight, quick, or aimless twisting movement or turn of something with the fingers.

Example

"With a quick twiddle of the dial, she tuned the radio to the classical music station."

2

A small decorative curl, flourish, or squiggle in handwriting or drawing, or an informal term for the tilde (~) character in computing.

Example

"He signed his name at the bottom of the page with an elaborate twiddle under the last letter."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for twiddle

• Nearby Words

twerk
twerp
twice
twiddle
twig
twig catfish
twig snake

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century, likely formed as a blend or symbolic variation of "twist" and "fiddle" or "twirl".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Twiddle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/twiddle
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