dab

English

/dæb/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) To press lightly in a repetitive motion with a soft object without rubbing.
  • (transitive) To apply a substance in this way.
  • To strike by a thrust; to hit with a sudden blow or thrust.
  • (slang) To apply to a heated surface for the purpose of efficient combustion.
  • (dance) To perform the dab dance move, by moving both arms to one side of the body parallel with your head.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English dabben (strike), dabbe (blow, a strike).

Origin

Middle English

dabbe

Gloss

blow, a strike

Concept
Semantic Field

Motion

Ontological Category

Action/Process

Emoji
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Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms