Dab Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdæb/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A dab is a type of flowering plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae), characterized by large, colorful blooms with prominent central disks surrounded by long petals.

Examples

1. “She received a bouquet of vibrant dabs for her birthday.”

2. “Dabs are popular choices for floral arrangements due to their striking appearance and long vase life.”

Synonyms

1. Transvaal daisy

2. Barberton daisy

Antonyms

1. Wilted flower

2. Dried bloom

Etymology

The word “dab” is believed to have originated from the name of the South African city, Barberton, where the flowers were first cultivated. Over time, the name evolved into “dab”, which is now widely used to refer to this type of flowering plant.

Usage Notes

The word “dab” is commonly used in gardening, floristry, and everyday language to refer to the plant. However, it’s worth noting that some people may confuse “dab” with “tab”, a different type of flowering plant.

Cultural References

Dabs have appeared in various forms of media and art throughout history, including in paintings, sculptures, and even in literary works. The flower’s vibrant colors and striking appearance have made it a popular subject in many cultures.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “dab” are “as bright as a dab” or “to dab at something”, meaning to add a splash of color or to cautiously touch something.

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases to “dab” include “gerbera”, “transvaal daisy”, and “barberton daisy”, which are all synonyms or names for the same type of flowering plant.

Collocations

Common collocations with the word “dab” include “fresh dab”, “dried dab”, “dab bouquet”, and “dab arrangement”.

Frequency of Use

The word “dab” is moderately used in modern language, with an average frequency of use in both written and spoken contexts.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings and variations of the word “dab” include “tab”, “geb”, “gerb”, and “gerber”.

Additional Information

Dabs are native to South Africa and are commonly used in floral arrangements, bouquets, and as ornamental plants in gardens or indoor spaces. They are also known for their long vase life, making them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.

Dabs require well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade to thrive. They are also sensitive to frost, so it’s best to plant them in warmer climates or indoor containers.

There are several species of dabs, each with its unique characteristics and growing conditions. Some popular varieties include the Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy, and Gerbera jamesonii.