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- pronunciation:
- fI
d
 l
- parts of speech:
- noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb
- phrases:
- fit as a fiddle, play second fiddle
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
(informal) a violin or related instrument.
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| definition 2: |
a guardrail on a ship's table, to prevent objects from falling off because of the ship's motion.
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| phrase: |
fit as a fiddle, play second fiddle |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| inflections: |
fiddles, fiddling, fiddled |
| definition 1: |
(informal) to play on a violin or related instrument.
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| definition 2: |
to use the fingers or hands in a nervous or somewhat aimless manner, usually out of boredom or anxiety and often in an unfocused effort to make minor adjustments or repairs.
Stop fiddling with the cat's tail, or she'll bite you!She couldn't think of an answer and fiddled with a loose button on her sleeve.He's out in the garage fiddling with his car as usual.Your hair looks perfect, so quit fiddling with it.- similar words:
- fuss, tamper
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| definition 3: |
to waste time; act aimlessly (often fol. by "around" or "away").
Stop fiddling around and get to work!- similar words:
- fuss
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| related words: |
dabble, meddle, monkey, poke, toy |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| definition 1: |
(informal) to play (a tune) on a fiddle.
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| definition 2: |
to waste (usu. fol. by "away").
She fiddled away her chance for an education. |
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| derivation: |
fiddler (n.) |
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