Definition

1. Noun:

   • A pointed hand tool for making holes: A dibble is a simple gardening tool, typically made of wood, with a pointed end. It is used to make small holes in soil for planting seeds, bulbs, or young seedlings.

2. Verb:

   • To make a hole with a dibble: The action of using a dibble tool to create a planting hole in the ground.
   • To plant using a dibble: The action of placing seeds, bulbs, or plants into the ground using a dibble tool.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The gardener used a wooden dibble to prepare the soil for the tulip bulbs.
  • A dibble is an essential tool for precise planting.

• Verb:

  • You need to dibble the soil before sowing the carrot seeds.
  • She carefully dibbled the spring bulbs into the flowerbed.

Advanced Usage

• "to dibble in": To plant something by making a hole with a dibble and placing the item inside.
  • He dibbled in the onion sets in neat rows.

Variants and Related Words

• Dibber (n): An alternative name for a dibble (the tool).
  • A dibber is another word for a planting tool with a pointed end.

Synonyms

• Noun: dibber, planting tool, garden trowel (though a trowel is broader and used for digging, not just making holes).
• Verb: poke, make a hole, plant.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Dibble in: To plant by using a dibble.
  • The best way to plant leeks is to dibble them in.

Noun

1. a wooden hand tool with a pointed end; used to make holes in the ground for planting seeds or bulbs

Verb

1. make a hole with a wooden hand tool
   • dibble the ground
2. plant with a wooden hand tool
   • dibble Spring bulbs