Meaning of dally in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈdæli/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    dally

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French dalier‘to chat’, of unknown origin

    Definitions

    1. behave carelessly or indifferently

    Examples

    • « Play about with a young girl's affection »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. waste time

    Examples

    • « Get busy--don't dally! »

    Derived terms

  3. 3. talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions

    Examples

    • « The guys always try to chat up the new secretaries »
    • « My husband never flirts with other women »

    Derived terms

  4. 4. consider not very seriously

    Examples

    • « He is trifling with her »
    • « She plays with the thought of moving to Tasmania »

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