idly
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.
He now spends the long hours idly scrolling through his phone or chatting with neighbours.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
Maybe it is plainly shameful to sit idly by, waiting for the police to peel back more layers of abominable detail, so it can be quickly disseminated to a hungry audience.
From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026
Maddox Batson sits in a swivel chair in a West Hollywood recording studio on a recent evening, spinning idly as his mother and manager go over their plans for the next few days.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026
No government would sit idly by as its citizens were subjected to such unfathomable horrors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
I wondered idly as I watched Father’s brown beard rise and fall with the words.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing idly
Bridge to Terabithia
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
myPerspectives 9.3
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!