Daub Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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daub

[dɔːb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

art

To apply with a quick, rough, or careless brushwork.

Synonyms

slop, smear, smudge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
daub

Used when referring to applying something in a rough or careless manner, usually paint or similar substances.

  • The children daubed the walls with colorful paints during the art class
smear

Used to describe spreading something thickly or messily over a surface. It can have both neutral and negative connotations depending on context.

  • The toddler smeared peanut butter all over his face
smudge

Used when something leaves a stain or mark, often by rubbing. It usually refers to an unwanted mark, having a slightly negative connotation.

  • She noticed a smudge of ink on her sleeve after signing the document
slop

Used when referring to spilling or applying a liquid or semi-liquid in a messy, often careless way. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • He accidentally slopped coffee all over the table

Examples of usage

  • She daubed the canvas with bold strokes of paint.
  • He daubed his fingers in the paint and smeared it across the paper.
Context #2 | Noun

building

A coating or smear of a thick or sticky substance.

Synonyms

coating, layer, smear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
daub

This word is used when referring to rough or careless application of a substance. It often has a negative connotation.

  • He daubed the paint on the wall, leaving an uneven finish.
  • The child daubed mud on his face while playing outside.
smear

This word is often used to describe a substance spread carelessly or in an uneven manner. It can also imply an act of damaging someone's reputation.

  • She accidentally smeared lipstick on the mirror.
  • The journalist was accused of trying to smear the politician's reputation.
coating

This word is appropriate when describing a thin or protective layer of a substance applied to a surface.

  • The cake had a thick coating of chocolate.
  • A protective coating was applied to the new car to prevent scratches.
layer

This word is used to talk about a single thickness of a material that covers a surface or is part of another structure.

  • She added another layer of blankets to keep warm.
  • The geological formation has distinct layers of rock.

Examples of usage

  • The walls were covered in a daub of mud and straw.
  • He wiped away the daub of grease from his hands.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'daub'

The word 'daub' originated from the Old French word 'dauber' which meant 'to whitewash'. It was first used in the 14th century to describe the act of applying a thick coating of paint or mud. Over time, the word evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings related to smearing or coating with a thick substance.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,709, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.