doodle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, sometimes playful
Quick answer
What does “doodle” mean?
To draw or scribble absentmindedly or while one's attention is otherwise occupied.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To draw or scribble absentmindedly or while one's attention is otherwise occupied.
Any simple, unfocused, or spontaneous drawing; also can refer to a foolish or silly person (informal, dated). In computing, a 'Google Doodle' is a temporary alteration of the logo on Google's homepage to commemorate events, holidays, or notable individuals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between the verb and the 'casual drawing' noun. The dated slang for a 'foolish person' is more common in older UK texts.
Connotations
Equally informal and playful in both varieties.
Frequency
Frequency of use is similar. The 'Google Doodle' reference is globally recognized.
Grammar
How to Use “doodle” in a Sentence
SUBJECT doodleSUBJECT doodle on OBJECT (a pad, napkin)SUBJECT doodle OBJECT (a heart, a face) (less common, implies a simple sketch)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doodle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would always doodle little trains in the margins of his maths book.
- She was caught doodling on her exercise book during the lecture.
American English
- I tend to doodle on my notepad during long conference calls.
- He doodled a bunch of stars and planets while talking on the phone.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard. No common adverbial form.)
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard. No common adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The doodle pad was filled with nonsense shapes. (as a compound noun modifier)
- It was just a doodle sketch, nothing serious.
American English
- She showed me her doodle art from the meeting. (as a compound noun modifier)
- It's a fun, doodle-based animation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Negative connotation: 'Stop doodling and pay attention in the meeting.' Neutral: 'The whiteboard was covered in meeting doodles.'
Academic
Used to describe unfocused note-taking or a sign of inattention during lectures.
Everyday
Common for describing the casual drawings people make while on the phone, in class, or during boring tasks.
Technical
In UI/UX design, 'doodle' might refer to a freehand sketching tool or feature.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doodle”
- Using it as a formal art term (e.g., 'He doodles portraits for a living'). Using the transitive form where intransitive is better (e.g., 'He doodled the meeting' is wrong; 'He doodled during the meeting' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Research suggests that for some people, doodling can aid concentration and memory retention by providing a light cognitive load that prevents daydreaming.
A doodle is typically unconscious, casual, and done while focusing on another task (like listening). A sketch is a more deliberate, preparatory drawing with artistic intent, even if it's rough.
Yes, but it's dated and chiefly British informal, meaning a silly or foolish person. This usage is now quite rare.
It's grammatically possible but slightly less idiomatic than the intransitive 'I doodled a picture of a dog' or 'I doodled while thinking, and a dog appeared.' The pure transitive use ('doodle + direct object') is less common for the core meaning.
To draw or scribble absentmindedly or while one's attention is otherwise occupied.
Doodle is usually informal, sometimes playful in register.
Doodle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduː.dl̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduː.dl̩/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Doodle away (to spend time doodling)”
- “A bit of a doodle (dated, UK: a silly person)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lazy **poodle** sitting and making **doodles** with its paw. The repeated 'oodle' sound also suggests something playful and unserious.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS DRAWING (casual, unstructured thought mapped onto casual, unstructured drawing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'doodle' LEAST appropriate?