doodle
/ˈduː.dl̩/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To draw simple shapes, lines, or pictures absent-mindedly, often while thinking or talking. It can also mean to write or make something in a careless, unplanned way.
- She doodled during the long phone call.
- He doodled stars in the margin.
- Don't doodle on the form.
noun
A quick, simple drawing made while someone is bored, thinking, or not fully paying attention.
- His notebook was full of doodles.
- I drew a little doodle of the house.
- That doodle made me smile.
Adinary Nuance
A doodle is usually smaller, looser, and more casual than a sketch or drawing. People often doodle without planning, while a sketch may be a real first step toward art. In everyday English, doodle sounds lighter and more spontaneous than draw.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vẽ nguệch ngoạc
- Spanish
- garabato
- Chinese
- 涂鸦
- Japanese
- 落書き
- Korean
- 낙서
Etymology
Doodle came into English in the 1600s. It probably came from an earlier word meaning a fool or simple person, and later became linked to idle drawing.
Common phrases
doodle in the margindoodle on papera quick doodledoodle during class
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is doodle the same as sketch?
- Not exactly. A doodle is usually quick and casual, while a sketch is more deliberate.
- Is doodle formal or informal?
- It is informal and common in everyday speech and writing.
- Can doodle be a noun and a verb?
- Yes. You can say "I doodled" or "a doodle."
- Is doodle used in academic writing?
- Usually not, unless you are describing a casual note, drawing, or behavior.