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Doodles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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doodles

[ˈduːd(ə)lz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

drawing

Simple drawings that may have a meaning or may just be abstract shapes, usually done absentmindedly.

Synonyms

drawings, scribbles, sketches.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
doodles

These are simple or abstract drawings often made without much thought, usually while a person is distracted or bored. They are informal and typically created during meetings, phone calls, or lectures.

  • She filled the margins of her notebook with little doodles.
  • I often find myself making doodles during long meetings.
scribbles

These are hurried or careless lines that are often unintelligible. Scribbles are typically done without much attention or intention, and can appear as meaningless marks.

  • The toddler left scribbles all over the wall.
  • Her notes were just a bunch of scribbles.
sketches

Sketches are rough or unfinished drawings that capture the basic elements of a subject. They are often used as a preliminary step before creating a more detailed artwork.

  • He showed me the initial sketches for his new painting.
  • She always carries a sketchbook to capture her ideas on the go.
drawings

This is a more generic term that refers to any kind of picture created by making lines on a surface, usually with a pen, pencil, or similar tool. Drawings can be detailed and complex or simple and minimalistic.

  • His drawings of landscapes are very detailed.
  • She has a collection of beautiful drawings of animals.

Examples of usage

  • He filled the margins of his notebook with doodles during the boring lecture.
  • The doodles on the napkin revealed her creative side.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A rough drawing or design made quickly and without much attention to detail.

Synonyms

drawing, scribble, sketch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
doodles

Informal, often playful or whimsical; small drawings or patterns made absentmindedly.

  • She filled the margins of her notebook with random doodles.
  • During the meeting, he started to make doodles on a piece of scrap paper.
sketch

Usually a quick, rough drawing that captures the main features; can be the first step of an artwork or design.

  • The artist did a quick sketch before starting the final painting.
  • She keeps a journal where she sketches her ideas.
scribble

Often refers to quick, rough, or messy marks, frequently used by children or as a way to get ideas down quickly.

  • The toddler covered the walls with colorful scribbles.
  • He scribbled down the phone number on a napkin.
drawing

General term; can refer to both casual and formal illustrated works, requiring some skill and intention.

  • The art class requires each student to finish a drawing by the end of the week.
  • She showed me her latest drawing of a landscape.

Examples of usage

  • She made a doodle of her dream house on a piece of paper.
  • The artist sketched out a quick doodle to capture his inspiration.
Context #3 | Verb

drawing

To draw or scribble absentmindedly.

Synonyms

draw, scribble, sketch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
doodles

Used when referring to simple, spontaneous drawings, often made absentmindedly, like in the margins of a notebook during a meeting or a phone call.

  • She filled the corners of her notebook with cute little doodles while listening to the lecture
scribble

This is used when talking about quick, messy writing or drawing, often chaotic and hard to interpret. This term usually has a slightly negative connotation.

  • Children often scribble on the walls before they learn to write properly
  • His signature was nothing more than a quick scribble
sketch

Used for a rough or unfinished drawing, usually made to plan or design something more detailed later. It suggests intentionality and preparatory work.

  • She made a quick sketch of the garden layout before starting the planting
  • The artist spent an hour sketching the outline of the portrait
draw

This is the general term for creating an image using a pencil, pen, or another tool. It can apply to a range of drawing activities from basic sketches to detailed illustrations.

  • He likes to draw landscapes in his free time
  • She draws portraits of her friends with remarkable detail

Examples of usage

  • He doodles in the margins of his notebook when he's bored.
  • She doodled flowers all over her math homework.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'doodle' comes from the 17th-century term 'doodle,' meaning to fool or waste time.
  • In the 19th century, doodling became a popular pastime for people during lectures or meetings.
  • Doodling was once viewed as a sign of inattention, but it's now recognized as a way to enhance creativity and memory.

Psychology

  • Studies show that doodling can help with concentration and memory retention.
  • Doodling activates specific areas in the brain associated with visual and motor functions, aiding in information processing.
  • People often doodle to express emotions or relieve stress, as it provides an outlet for creativity.

Art and Culture

  • Famous artist Joan Miró created intricate, playful doodles that blurred the lines between fine art and childlike simplicity.
  • Modern doodling has influenced trends in graphic design, leading to a surge in hand-drawn illustrations in digital media.
  • Doodle art has become a popular genre, with artists like Tattly creating temporary tattoos featuring intricate doodle patterns.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage doodling in classrooms to help students engage with complex topics and enhance understanding.
  • Classrooms incorporating doodling can create a more relaxed atmosphere, fostering creativity and collaboration.
  • Doodling has been integrated into various learning styles, highlighting its role in supporting visual and kinesthetic learners.

Technology

  • Digital doodling apps have gained popularity, allowing users to create elaborate drawings on smartphones and tablets.
  • Some productivity tools now include a doodle feature, letting users sketch ideas alongside notes.
  • Virtual reality tools allow artists to doodle in three-dimensional space, pushing the boundaries of traditional art.

Origin of 'doodles'

The word 'doodles' originated in the 1930s as a noun meaning 'simple drawings' or 'absentminded scribbles'. It is believed to be an alteration of the German word 'dudeltopf', which means 'simpleton' or 'fool'. Over time, the term evolved to also include informal sketches or quick designs. Today, doodles are often associated with creativity and self-expression, used in various art forms and as a means of relaxation or brainstorming.

See also: doodling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,790, 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.