DAB (dabbed, dabbing)
Dictionary entry overview: What does dab mean?
• DAB (noun)
The noun DAB has 2 senses:
1. a light touch or stroke
2. a small quantity of something moist or liquid
Familiarity information: DAB used as a noun is rare.
• DAB (verb)
The verb DAB has 2 senses:
1. apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
2. hit lightly
Familiarity information: DAB used as a verb is rare.
Dictionary entry details
• DAB (noun)
Meaning:
A light touch or stroke
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Synonyms:
dab; pat; tap
Hypernyms ("dab" is a kind of...):
touch; touching (the act of putting two things together with no space between them)
Meaning:
A small quantity of something moist or liquid
Classified under:
Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure
Synonyms:
splatter; dab; splash
Context examples:
a dab of paint / a splatter of mud / just a splash of whiskey
Hypernyms ("dab" is a kind of...):
small indefinite amount; small indefinite quantity (an indefinite quantity that is below average size or magnitude)
• DAB (verb)
Meaning:
Apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
dab; swab; swob
Context example:
dab the wall with paint
Hypernyms (to "dab" is one way to...):
apply; put on (apply to a surface)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something with something
Sentence example:
They dab the bread with melted butter
Meaning:
Hit lightly
Classified under:
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging
Synonyms:
dab; pat
Context example:
pat him on the shoulder
Hypernyms (to "dab" is one way to...):
strike (deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s something PP
