dawdle

Meanings

Verb

• To spend time idly and unfruitfully; to waste time.
• To spend (time) without haste or purpose.
• To move or walk lackadaisically.

Noun

• A dawdler.
• A slow walk, journey.
• An easily accomplished task; a doddle.

Origin

• First attested around 1656; perhaps a variant of daddle, influenced by daw. Not in general use until around 1775.
• Alternatively, perhaps borrowed from Middle Low German dȫdelen, related to Saterland Frisian döädelje. Compare also German daddeln, German verdaddeln.