noun

1. A spattering or sprinkling of a liquid.

2. An act of splashing in soft mud, water, etc.

3. An act of participation in an activity in a casual or superficial way.

verb

1. To make slightly wet or soiled by spattering or sprinkling a liquid (such as water, mud, or paint) on it; to bedabble.

2. To cause splashing by moving a body part like a bill or limb in soft mud, water, etc., often playfully; to play in shallow water; to paddle.

   “The children sat on the dock and dabbled their feet in the water.”

3. To participate or have an interest in an activity in a casual or superficial way.

   “She’s an actress by trade, but has been known to dabble in poetry.”

Synonyms: bespatter, besprinkle, spatter