dibble: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Technical (Gardening, Agriculture), Informal (in the 'fidget' sense)
Quick answer
What does “dibble” mean?
To make a small hole in soil for planting seeds or seedlings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a small hole in soil for planting seeds or seedlings.
A small hand tool used for making such holes; to plant using such a tool. Can also refer to a small, pointed implement or to dabble or fidget with something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in gardening contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to gardening/agriculture contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dibble” in a Sentence
[Subject: person] dibbles [Object: hole/seedlings] (into [Location: soil])[Subject: person] dibbles [Location: soil] (with [Instrument: dibble])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dibble” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She used a stick to dibble holes for the sweet pea seeds.
- He dibbled the seedlings into the prepared bed.
American English
- Dibble the seeds about two inches apart.
- I need to dibble a row for these onion sets.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical or agricultural studies.
Everyday
Very rare outside of gardening enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture and agriculture for a specific planting tool/action.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dibble”
- Confusing spelling with 'dribble'.
- Using it as a general term for digging (it is for making small, precise holes).
- Pronouncing it /ˈdaɪ.bəl/ (it is /ˈdɪb.əl/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used mainly in gardening and agriculture.
A dibble is pointed and used for making holes. A trowel has a flat, scoop-like blade for digging, moving, or lifting soil.
Informally and rarely, yes (e.g., 'stop dibbling with that pen'), but this is non-standard. The standard meaning is related to planting.
It is pronounced /ˈdɪb.əl/, rhyming with 'nibble'.
To make a small hole in soil for planting seeds or seedlings.
Dibble is usually specialized/technical (gardening, agriculture), informal (in the 'fidget' sense) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dibble and dabble (rare, informal, meaning to fidget or tinker)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'dibble' rhyming with 'nibble' – just as you nibble food with small bites, you dibble soil with small holes.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANTING IS PUNCTURING (creating a precise, small entry point for new life).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dibble?