Meaning & use

fiddle

verb·Everyday

To touch or adjust something repeatedly and often idly, especially with the hands.

See it in a sentence

He kept fiddling with his phone during the meeting instead of paying attention.

She fiddled with the radio dial, trying to find a station that wasn't full of static.

A note on using this word

Fiddle is informal for restless, small movements, and is distinct from the noun sense meaning a violin, especially in folk or country music.

Words with a similar meaning

tinkerfidget

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A violin, especially one used to play folk, country, or bluegrass music.

He picked up his fiddle and played a lively tune at the barn dance.

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