dab

A noun referring to a light touch or stroke, or a small quantity of something moist or liquid.

ruСуществительное, обозначающее лёгкое прикосновение или мазок, или небольшое количество чего-либо влажного или жидкого.esSustantivo que denota un toque ligero o una pasada suave, o una pequeña cantidad de algo húmedo o líquido.frNom désignant un toucher léger ou un petit tamponnement, ou une petite quantité de quelque chose d'humide ou de liquide.deSubstantiv, das eine leichte Berührung oder einen Tupfer bezeichnet, oder eine kleine Menge einer feuchten oder flüssigen Substanz.ptSubstantivo que se refere a um toque leve ou uma pincelada, ou a uma pequena quantidade de algo úmido ou líquido.zh名词，指轻轻的触碰或涂抹，也指少量湿润或液体的东西。arاسم يدل على لمسة خفيفة أو أثر ناتج عن مسح أو دهن، أو كمية صغيرة من سائل أو مادة رطبة.

1. Light touch or stroke B1 formal

   A gentle, quick contact with a surface, often using a soft object or the hand.

   • She applied the ointment with a gentle dab.
   • He gave the painting a final dab with his brush.
   • A quick dab of the cloth removed the dust.

   ruЛёгкое прикосновениеestoque ligerofrPetite tape légèredeLeichte BerührungptToque levezh轻触arلمسة خفيفة

   Synonyms: patpeckstroketaptouch

   Antonyms: blowpunchsmackthumpwhack

2. Small quantity of a substance A2 informal

   A small, soft amount of something moist, sticky, or liquid, like cream or paint.

   • Add a dab of butter to the pan.
   • She put a dab of perfume behind her ears.
   • He used a dab of glue to fix the broken piece.

   ruНебольшое количествоespequeña cantidad de una sustanciafrPetite quantité de substancedeKleines bisschenptPequena quantidadezh少量arكمية صغيرة

   Synonyms: bitblobdollopdroppatsmearsmidgensplashspottouch

• dabs plural form
• dabs' possessive plural form
• dab's possessive singular form

A verb meaning to press against something lightly with a soft or absorbent material, or to apply a substance in small amounts.

ruГлагол, означающий слегка прижимать что-то мягким или впитывающим материалом, или наносить вещество в небольших количествах.esVerbo que significa tocar ligeramente algo con un material suave o absorbente, o aplicar una sustancia en pequeñas cantidades.frVerbe signifiant appliquer une substance ou toucher quelque chose avec un mouvement léger et rapide, souvent avec un matériau doux ou absorbant pour sécher ou absorber.deVerb, das bedeutet, etwas leicht mit einem weichen oder saugfähigen Material zu berühren, oder eine Substanz in kleinen Mengen aufzutragen.ptVerbo que significa tocar levemente algo com um material macio ou absorvente, ou aplicar uma substância em pequenas quantidades com leves toques.zh动词，指用柔软的或吸水的材料轻轻按压某物，或少量地涂抹某种物质。arفعل يعني لمس شيء بلطف بمادة ناعمة أو ماصة، أو وضع كمية قليلة من مادة على سطح.

1. Apply lightly B1 formal

   To press a soft material (like a cloth or sponge) gently against a surface, usually to apply or remove a liquid.

   • She dabbed the paint onto the canvas with a brush.
   • He dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief to dry the sweat.
   • The nurse dabbed the wound with antiseptic.

   ruНаносить легкими прикосновениямиesDar toques (aplicar ligeramente)frTamponner légèrementdeLeicht auftragenptAplicar com leves toqueszh轻拍涂抹arالدهن بلمسات خفيفة

   Synonyms: blotpatpressswabtaptouch

   Antonyms: coatplasterslathersmearspread

2. Strike lightly B2 informal

   To hit something or someone with a quick, light touch.

   • He dabbed the ball gently into the corner of the net.
   • She dabbed his arm playfully to get his attention.
   • The boxer dabbed at his opponent's face with quick jabs.

   ruЛегко ударитьesdar un toque ligerofrfrapper légèrementdeLeicht schlagenptTocar levementezh轻拍arضرب برفق

   Synonyms: brushpatpecktaptouch

• dabbed past participle
• dabbed past simple
• dabbing present participle
• dabs third person singular