to pat or tap gently, as with something soft or moist

The child dabbed his eyes with the handkerchief.

to apply (a substance) by light strokes

He dabbed the ointment on the rash.

to strike, esp. lightly, as with the hand.

Masonry . to dress (stonework) with a pointed tool.

Western U.S. to throw (a rope or line) in an effort to lasso or catch something

Joe dabbed his rope on the steer.

to strike lightly; make a dab; pat

She dabbed at the stain on her dress.

a quick or light blow; a pat, as with the hand or something soft.

a small moist lump or mass

a dab of butter.

a small quantity

a dab of powder.

noun

glob , mass

noun

bit , blob , dollop , drop , fleck , flick , pat , peck , smidgen , smudge , speck , spot , stroke , tap , touch , crumb , dash , dot , dram , fragment , grain , iota , jot , minim , mite , modicum , molecule , ort , ounce , particle , scrap , scruple , shred , tittle , trifle , whit , ace , adept , authority , dab hand , master , past master , professional , proficient , wizard , blotch , daub , flatfish , flounder , hit , lump , portion , smear , swab , wipe

verb

bedaub , besmear , daub , pat , peck , plaster , smear , smudge , stipple , swab , tap , wipe , smirch