dabbing
/ˈdæbɪŋ/
VERB
1. Pressing lightly against a surface without rubbing
The act of touching or pressing something gently and repeatedly with a soft object to absorb liquid, remove moisture, or clean a surface.
1.1. Blotting or gently patting a surface
Pressing a cloth, tissue, sponge, or similar object lightly against a surface to absorb liquid or remove moisture without rubbing.
Synonyms
Examples
- She was dabbing the spilled water with a paper towel.
- He continued dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief.
Related Words
- wiping
- absorbing
- soaking
- sponging
- moisture
- tissue
VERB
2. Applying a substance with light touches
The act of applying a small amount of a substance to a surface using gentle, repeated touches rather than spreading it by rubbing.
2.1. Applying paint, cosmetics, or other substances
Placing small amounts of paint, makeup, liquid, or another substance onto a surface using a brush, sponge, fingertip, or applicator.
Synonyms
Examples
- The artist was dabbing paint onto the canvas to create a textured effect.
- She perfected her makeup by dabbing concealer onto her cheeks.
Related Words
2.2. Covering or coating a surface
Applying a substance in small touches or patches to cover or coat portions of a surface.
Synonyms
- coating
- daubing
- smearing
- plastering
- anointing
Antonyms
- uncovering
- exposing
- stripping
- peeling
Examples
- The workers were dabbing protective material onto the damaged sections of the wall.
- The painter used dabbing to apply several layers of color.
Related Words
- blanketing
- layering
- overlaying
- surfacing
- covering
VERB
3. Striking something with a sudden thrust
The act of hitting or touching something with a quick, short, or forceful thrust.
3.1. Hitting or thrusting
Making a quick physical strike or thrust against a person or object.
Synonyms
Examples
- The fencer practiced dabbing at the target with quick thrusts.
- The player scored by dabbing the ball toward the goal.
Related Words
VERB
4. Applying cannabis concentrate to a heated surface
The act of applying concentrated cannabis extract, commonly called hash oil, to a heated surface for inhalation.
4.1. Cannabis concentrate consumption
Using the term for the process of applying cannabis concentrate to a heated surface as a method of consumption.
Synonyms
- taking dabs
- consuming cannabis concentrate
Examples
- The documentary discussed the growing popularity of dabbing among cannabis users.
- The article explained the terminology associated with dabbing cannabis concentrates.
Related Words
- hash oil
- cannabis concentrate
- dab rig
- vaporization
- dabbing equipment
VERB
5. Performing the dab dance move
The act of performing a dance gesture in which the head is lowered toward a bent arm while the opposite arm extends outward.
5.1. Dance gesture and popular culture
Performing the recognizable dab gesture as a dance move or celebratory action.
Synonyms
- doing the dab
- performing the dab
Examples
- The children were dabbing when their favorite song started playing.
- The players celebrated their victory by dabbing on the field.
Related Words
- dance move
- gesture
- hip-hop
- choreography
- celebration
NOUN
6. The act of lightly pressing or applying something
A gentle application or pressing action performed with a soft object, usually to absorb, transfer, or place a small amount of material.
6.1. Blotting or light application
An instance of gently pressing or patting a surface to absorb moisture or apply a small amount of a substance.
Synonyms
- blotting
- patting
- application
- touch
Examples
- A gentle dabbing of the affected area helped remove the excess liquid.
- The makeup artist used a light dabbing rather than rubbing to blend the product.
Related Words
- pressing
- swabbing
- absorption
- dabbing motion
- applicator