Piddle: meaning, definitions and examples

When referring to spending time in a trivial or unimportant way.

• He piddled away the entire afternoon instead of working on his project.

Appropriate when someone is actively wasting time or moving slowly, often when they should be doing something more important or with urgency.

• Stop dawdling and finish your homework!
• She dawdled on her way to school, arriving late.

A general phrase used to describe spending time on unproductive activities, often used in everyday situations.

• Don't waste time on social media when you should be studying.
• He's always wasting time playing video games.

This is a formal term used in medical or technical contexts to describe urination.

• The doctor asked if the patient experienced any pain when they micturated.

Use in casual or informal conversations to refer to wasting time or doing something trivial. Often carries a slightly negative connotation.

• He spent the whole afternoon just piddling around in the garage.
• Stop piddling with your phone and get some work done.

Use in general contexts to describe a modest or limited quantity of something. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.

• She added a small amount of sugar to her tea.
• A small amount of rain fell overnight.

Use when emphasizing how extremely small the amount or portion is. This term is often used in scientific or technical contexts but can also be used informally.

• They discovered only a tiny quantity of the rare mineral.
• Just a tiny quantity of this spice is enough for the whole dish.