dabbing

[dab-ing] / ˈdæb ɪŋ /

VERB

blot up; touch lightly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

daub smear smudge swab wipe

STRONG

bedaub besmear pat peck plaster stipple tap

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She coped by dabbing at her face with a small navy blue towel that magically appeared from under the table.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Inside, women are dabbing moisturizers, sampling eye shadows and swabbing lipsticks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

"You have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have," she said, dabbing away tears and occasionally pausing to collect herself.

From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025

And finally a grinning Dafydd Jenkins grabbed a fistful of Chessum's shirt, pulling it up over the England lock's mouth like a parent dabbing at a toddler's grubby face.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025

“Oh, my Gracious, Glorious, Galumphing Goodness!” roared Mr. Wigg, dabbing his eyes with the tail of his coat because he couldn’t find his handkerchief.

From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers