twiddle

[twid-l]

verb (used with object)

twiddled, twiddling 

1. to turn about or play with lightly or idly, especially with the fingers; twirl.

verb (used without object)

twiddled, twiddling 

1. to play or trifle idly with something; fiddle.

2. to turn about lightly; twirl.

noun

1. the act of twiddling; turn; twirl.

twiddle

/ ˈtwɪdəl /

verb

1. to twirl or fiddle (with), often in an idle way

2. to do nothing; be unoccupied

3. (intr) to turn, twirl, or rotate

4. rare,  (intr) to be occupied with trifles

noun

1. an act or instance of twiddling

Other Word Forms

• twiddler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of twiddle¹

1530–40; perhaps blend of twitch and fiddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of twiddle¹

C16: probably a blend of _twirl + _fiddle

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. twiddle one's thumbs, to do nothing; be idle.

   Business was slack, and the salespeople were twiddling their thumbs.

Example Sentences

"The world is watching while American lawmakers twiddle their thumbs," he added.

From Salon

Kudos to them, too, for re-energizing voters while so many forlorn Democratic leaders twiddle their thumbs and nurse the hangover of defeat.

From Los Angeles Times

Abrasive, shallow and giddily watchable, her Wow Platinum — what a name! — twiddles her clawed fingers like a femme fatale dead certain she can charm her way to the top.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet, Eggers was not one to sit and twiddle his thumbs.

From Salon

Pen clicking and hair twiddling were also triggers, though not quite as frequently.

From BBC

Related Words

• fidget