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dally

dally
Intransitive VerbTransitive Verb
past: dalliedpp: dallieding: dallying

This term carries a sense of playful or trivial procrastination. When used regarding tasks, it suggests a lack of urgency or a deliberate slowing down, often implying a certain lightness or lack of seriousness that distinguishes it from more negative terms like "loiter" or "delay."

In a romantic context, the word evokes a spirit of flirtation and superficiality. It describes an interaction that is intentionally kept light and non-committal, focusing on the pleasure of the chase or the novelty of the encounter rather than the pursuit of a stable partnership.

Meanings

Intransitive Verbdally
[~ with something][~ with someone]

To waste time or act indecisively instead of attending to a task.

He continued to dally with his breakfast while the guests waited in the hall.

Transitive Verbdally
[~ with someone]

To engage in a casual or flirtatious romantic relationship without intending a serious commitment.

She spent the summer dallying with a young poet she met in Florence.

Examples

We cannot afford to dally while the enemy is advancing on the city.

Fantasy

I should not dally with these trivial matters when the deadline is tomorrow.

Office
Romance
School Life

She had a tendency to dally with suitors she had no intention of marrying.

Romance

The detective noticed the suspect began to dally when asked about his whereabouts.

Detective

Phrasal Verbs

dally around

to spend time in an idle or aimless manner

dally on

to linger or delay over a specific point or task

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error