doddle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “doddle” mean?
A very easy task or undertaking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very easy task or undertaking.
An activity requiring minimal effort or skill; something that can be done without any difficulty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British English term. American speakers are unlikely to use or understand it; they would use synonyms like 'cinch', 'breeze', or 'piece of cake'.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a casual, slightly colloquial connotation of dismissive ease. Not used in formal contexts.
Frequency
Common in British informal speech, especially among older and mid-generation speakers. Rare in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “doddle” in a Sentence
NP is a doddle.NP is a doddle for NP.NP makes NP a doddle.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doddle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally among colleagues: 'The quarterly report? That'll be a doddle after the year-end audit.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal British contexts to describe easy tasks: 'Fixing the tap was a doddle with the right tools.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doddle”
- Using it as an adjective (*'The test was very doddle.'). Correct: 'The test was a doddle.'
- Using it in the plural (*'two doddles').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Doddle' is a noun, not an adjective. You must use it with an article: 'an absolute doddle', 'a complete doddle'.
It is extremely rare in American English. Americans are far more likely to say 'piece of cake', 'cinch', or 'breeze'.
It is exclusively informal and colloquial. Do not use it in academic writing, business reports, or formal speeches.
Its etymology is uncertain. It first appeared in British English in the 1930s. It is possibly related to the verb 'dawdle' or a dialectal term.
A very easy task or undertaking.
Doddle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒd.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑː.dəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It'll be a doddle.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DODDLE sounds like 'dawdle' (to move slowly). If a task is a DODDLE, you can DAWDLE through it because it's so easy.
Conceptual Metaphor
EASE IS LACK OF RESISTANCE / EASE IS A SMOOTH PATH (e.g., breeze, walkover).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'doddle' used correctly?