Doodle

/ˈduː.dl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A simple, spontaneous, or unconscious drawing made while one's attention is otherwise occupied.

Her notebook was filled with doodles of flowers and abstract shapes.

A meaningless or aimless activity.

The meeting was just a doodle; no real progress was made.

verb

To draw or scribble aimlessly, especially while thinking or talking.

He likes to doodle during phone calls to keep his hands busy.

To waste time or engage in trivial activities.

Instead of working on his project, he spent the afternoon doodling.

Origin unknown, possibly a playful variation of 'doodlebug', referring to draw aimlessly.

doodle on something

To draw or sketch while waiting or thinking.

doodlebug

A small, mindless drawing or doodle.

doodle in the margins

To draw small pictures or make notes in the margins of a page.

scribble

To write or draw carelessly and quickly.

sketch

A rough or unfinished drawing.

design

A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something.

To doodle can mean to waste time or procrastinate.

Stop doodling and get to work on that project!

In some contexts, 'doodle' can refer to a casual, simple drawing done for fun.

He sends me his doodles over text when he's bored.