dally Meaning & Definition
What Does Dally Mean?
Dally is used as a verb meaning To waste time in trivial activities, or in idleness; to trifle. It is also used to mean To caress, especially of a sexual nature; to fondle or pet. As a noun, it means Several wraps of rope around the saddle horn, used to stop animals in roping. As a noun, it means Alternative form of dolly (“offering of fruit or flowers”).
Dally: Key Facts
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈdæli/ |
| Synonyms | tarry, play and flirt |
| Plural | dallies |
| Verb forms | dallies, dallying, dallied |
Dally Definition (Verb)
- To waste time in trivial activities, or in idleness; to trifle.
- To caress, especially of a sexual nature; to fondle or pet
- To delay unnecessarily; to while away.
Dally as a Noun
- Several wraps of rope around the saddle horn, used to stop animals in roping.
Verb
- To wind the lasso rope (ie throw-rope) around the saddle horn (the saddle horn is attached to the pommel of a western style saddle) after the roping of an animal
Noun
- Alternative form of dolly (“offering of fruit or flowers”).
Synonyms of Dally
Dally synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
dally (third-person singular simple present dallies, present participle dallying, simple past and past participle dallied)
dally (plural dallies)
Words That Rhyme With Dally
Origin of Dally
Origin 1: From Middle English dalien, from Anglo-Norman delaier. Doublet of delay.
Origin 2: Possibly from Spanish dale vuelta (“twist it around”) by law of Hobson-Jobson, from dale + la + vuelta.
Questions People Ask About Dally
Is dally a verb or a noun?
Dally is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for dally?
Close synonyms of dally are tarry, play and flirt. See the full list of dally synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of dally?
The plural of dally is dallies.
What is the past tense of dally?
The past tense of dally is dallied. The present participle is dallying.