dawdle
UK: ˈdɔːd(ə)l | US: ˈdɑːd(ə)l
vi. to waste time; to move or act slowly
vt. to spend (time) idly
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The word "dawdle" first appeared in the late 17th century, likely as a playful or dialectal formation. Its exact origin is unclear, but it may be related to the obsolete English word "daddle," meaning "to walk unsteadily" or "to toddle." Over time, "dawdle" evolved to specifically imply wasting time or moving slowly, often with a connotation of laziness or lack of purpose. The word’s whimsical sound and repetitive structure ("daw-dle") may contribute to its association with idle, meandering behavior.
Stop dawdling and finish your homework!
She dawdled along the path, picking flowers.
He dawdled away the afternoon instead of working.
The children dawdled on their way to school.
Don’t dawdle—we’re already late.