dab Definition

dab¹
verb

tr & intr
dabbed, dabbing
1. To touch something lightly and usually repeatedly with a cloth, etc.

Thesaurus: blot, pat, daub, swab, wipe, touch.
Form: dab at something (often)

noun

1. A small amount of something creamy or liquid.

Thesaurus: bit, drop, trace, pat, speck, dollop, smidgen, fleck, touch.
2. A light gentle touch.
3. A gentle blow.
4. slang
Fingerprints.
Form: dabs

Etymology: 14c as verb dabben; probably imitating the sound.

Phrasal Verb: dab something on or off

To spread it on or to remove it with light touches of a cloth, etc.

---

dab²
noun

1. A small brown European flatfish with rough scales.

Etymology: 15c: from French dabbe.

---

dab³
noun

1. An expert.

Form: a dab hand at something (usually)
Form: a dab hand with something

Etymology: 17c as dab; 19c as dab hand.