Quick answer
Dawdle means to move slowly, waste time, or linger without purpose. It is usually pronounced DAW-dul, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Dawdle
To dawdle means to move slowly, waste time, or linger without purpose. It belongs to strange movement words and works best in physical comedy, odd gestures, and descriptions of movement with more character than plain motion verbs. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
movementmannerismexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you dawdle, you to move slowly, waste time, or linger without purpose. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Dawdle feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Dawdle is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Dawdle is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The interns began to dawdle at once when the projector failed again.
- He dawdleed through the explanation so fast that nobody trusted the final answer.
- In the play, nervous witnesses dawdle whenever the magistrate clears his throat.
- She refused to dawdle about the crisis and gave the room a usable plan instead.
- The children dawdleed excitedly after finding the attic full of costumes.
When should you use this word?
Use dawdle when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in physical comedy, odd gestures, and descriptions of movement with more character than plain motion verbs.
Similar words
amble, caper, dart, dillydally, flounce
Opposite or contrasting words
steady motion, balance, stillness
Common questions
- What does dawdle mean? to move slowly, waste time, or linger without purpose.
- How do you pronounce dawdle? It is commonly pronounced DAW-dul.
- Is dawdle still used today? Dawdle is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use dawdle? Use dawdle when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in physical comedy, odd gestures, and descriptions of movement with more character than plain motion verbs.
- What words are similar to dawdle? Similar words include amble, caper, dart, and dillydally.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.