Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Doodled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

✏️
Add to dictionary

doodled

[ˈduːdəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

artistic expression

Doodled refers to the act of making spontaneous or unconscious sketches or drawings. These doodles are often simple shapes, lines, or figures created while a person is preoccupied with other thoughts or activities. Doodling can serve as a way to relieve boredom, improve focus, or stimulate creativity. Although often seen as non-serious, doodles can sometimes lead to unexpected artistic expressions or ideas.

Synonyms

drawn, scribbled, sketched.

Examples of usage

  • She doodled on the edge of her notebook during the lecture.
  • His doodled designs became the foundation for his art project.
  • While waiting for the train, he began to doodle on his ticket.
  • Many people find that when they doodle, it helps them concentrate better.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that doodling can help improve concentration and memory by keeping the brain engaged.
  • Doodling often allows a person to express emotions and thoughts visually, providing a creative outlet.
  • Research indicates that during mind-wandering, doodling can aid in problem-solving and creativity by fostering new connections between ideas.

Art

  • Doodling is seen as a form of art therapy, helping individuals process emotions and reduce stress.
  • Famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Keith Haring began their creations with simple doodles before developing more complex works.
  • There are entire art movements, like 'doodle art' or 'zentangle', dedicated to intricate designs born from the act of doodling.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage doodling in classrooms as it can aid comprehension and retention of information among students.
  • Visual learning techniques, including doodling, have been shown to enhance memory compared to traditional note-taking.
  • Some educational programs incorporate doodling into learning to help students express understanding through visuals.

Pop Culture

  • Doodling has found its way into pop culture, with social media platforms hosting challenges where users share their doodles.
  • Shows like 'The Amazing World of Gumball' feature characters who often doodle in a fun and exaggerated manner, reflecting the silliness of the act.
  • The rise of adult coloring books and doodle books showcases the trend of adults embracing this playful form of creativity for relaxation.

Origin of 'doodled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'doodle' likely comes from the German word 'dudeln', which means to play or to move in a free and carefree way.
  • It was first used in the early 17th century, originally describing a simple kind of drawing.
  • In the 1930s, the term became popular in America as a way to describe aimless scribbles made during idle moments.

The term 'doodle' originated from the early 17th century, derived from the German word 'dudeln', which means 'to play or do something in a careless manner.' Initially, it referred more broadly to a fool or simpleton. Over time, the meaning evolved to specifically describe the act of drawing simple, spontaneous shapes and figures. The concept of doodling became more recognized in the 20th century, particularly as researchers observed its connection to creativity and cognitive processes. Doodling is now commonly seen in educational and professional settings as a way to enhance focus and retention during tasks requiring concentration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,708, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.