Definition

1. Noun:

   • A small, soft amount of a substance: A "dab" is a small, often moist or semi-liquid quantity of something, applied lightly.
   • A light, quick touch or pat: A "dab" can refer to the action of touching something gently and quickly with a soft object or one's hand.

2. Verb:

   • To touch or apply lightly: To "dab" means to press something against a surface gently and quickly, often repeatedly.
   • To pat lightly: To "dab" can mean to hit or touch something with a series of light, quick motions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She put a dab of glue on the back of the stamp.
  • He cleaned the cut with a dab of antiseptic.
  • The painter added a final dab of white to highlight the eye.

• Verb:

  • She dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
  • He dabbed the wound gently with a clean cloth.
  • The artist dabbed paint onto the canvas to create a textured effect.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a dab hand at (something)": To be very skilled or proficient at a particular activity.
  • My grandmother is a dab hand at baking pies.
• "dab at": To try to clean or dry something by touching it lightly and repeatedly.
  • He dabbed at the spilled wine with a napkin.

Variants and Related Words

• Dabber (n): A tool or object used for dabbing, such as a sponge or a felt-tipped applicator.
  • The printer used a dabber to apply ink to the block.
• Dabbing (n/gerund): The action of applying something with light, quick touches.
  • Her careful dabbing created a soft, blurred effect in the painting.

Synonyms

• Noun (small amount): Bit, speck, spot, smidgen, dollop.
• Verb (to touch lightly): Pat, tap, blot, press, daub.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dab on: To apply a small amount of something lightly onto a surface.
  • She dabbed some perfume on her wrists.
• Dab off: To remove something by dabbing.
  • Use a cloth to dab the excess oil off the surface.

Related Idioms

• A dab will do you: A humorous or old-fashioned saying meaning a very small amount is sufficient.
  • When applying the hot sauce, remember: a dab will do you.

Noun

1. a small quantity of something moist or liquid
   • a dab of paint
   • a splatter of mud
   • just a splash of whiskey
2. a light touch or stroke

Verb

1. hit lightly
   • pat him on the shoulder
2. apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
   • dab the wall with paint