dawdle
Say it: DAW-dul /ˈdɔdəl/ · verb
What “dawdle” means
Waste time by moving slowly and doing little.
More precisely: To waste time or move slowly and idly.
Example: “Don't dawdle — the last train leaves in ten minutes.”
When to use it
When someone moves too slowly or wastes time instead of getting on. Informal, often a mildly impatient instruction to children.
Similar words
dally, dillydally, lag
Quick check
Everyone is ready to leave, but you slowly poke puddles and shuffle along instead of catching up. What do you do?
dawdle or linger?
Show the answer
dawdle
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