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daub

verb

/dɔb/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of daub

To smear or spread a substance, usually in a haphazard or careless manner, onto a surface.
"The chef will daub the plate with sauce for presentation."

Detailed meaning of daub

It typically involves using a tool or one's hands to apply the substance in a thick, uneven, or clumsy manner. 'Daubing' can involve various materials such as paint, mud, or plaster, and is often associated with less refined or amateurish methods of application. This action may result in a messy or crude appearance, lacking precision or finesse. 'Daubing' can be seen in artistic practices like finger painting or folk art, where the emphasis is on the spontaneous and rough application of color or texture. It can also describe the act of hastily applying substances to cover or conceal, such as daubing mud on a wound or smearing paint over a blemish. Overall, 'daub' conveys a sense of unrefined, imprecise, or clumsy application of a substance onto a surface.

Example sentences containing daub

1. She will daub the canvas with vibrant colors.
2. The artist likes to daub paint thickly for texture.
3. The children were excited to daub paint on the paper.
4. Let me daub some lotion on your sunburn.
5. They decided to daub the walls with colorful murals.
6. First, daub the bread with garlic butter before toasting.

History and etymology of daub

The verb 'daub' has its etymological roots in Old English and Old Norse. In Old English, it was 'dubbian,' while in Old Norse, it was 'dauða.' Both of these terms meant 'to smear' or 'to plaster.' The Old Norse word is related to the Old High German 'tube,' which also meant 'to smear' or 'to coat.' Over time, these Old English and Old Norse words evolved into the Middle English 'dauben,' which retained the sense of smearing or spreading something onto a surface. 'Daub' describes the act of smearing or spreading a substance, often in a haphazard or careless manner, onto a surface. The etymology of 'daub' underscores its historical association with the application of substances onto surfaces, highlighting its use to describe actions that involve smearing or spreading in a less precise or methodical manner.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb daub:

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Further usage examples of daub

1. She watched as the baker skillfully daubed icing on the cake.
2. I'm going to daub some mud on my face for a natural mask.
3. He accidentally daubed ink on his shirt while refilling his pen.
4. The makeup artist daubed the actor’s face with artificial blood.
5. The painter decided to daub some white paint to create highlights.
6. She would always daub her letters with a fragrant perfume before sending them.
7. We should daub the raft with sealant to prevent water from getting in.
8. The bricklayer will daub mortar between the bricks for stability.
9. The kind lady daubed the orphan’s face with a warm cloth.
10. The mechanic suggested to daub some grease on the squeaky hinge.
11. The boy was scolded for daubing the walls with his crayons.
12. The tribesman daubed his face with clay for the ritual dance.
13. She decided to daub some glitter on her eyelids for the party.
14. The children happily daubed their hands in colorful paint and pressed them onto the canvas.