meddling

/ˈmɛdəlɪŋ/
/ˈmɛdəlɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: meddlings

Meddling is getting involved in something despite that fact that your participation is completely unwanted. If your parents planned out your entire social life, you'd be justified in accusing them of meddling.

To meddle is to "interfere in something that's not your concern," and it comes from a root meaning "to mix." Meddling can be used as a noun or as an adjective, to describe annoying people who poke their noses into your business. If you've ever watched old Scooby Doo cartoons, you've heard a villain complain about "those meddling kids!"

Definitions of meddling
  1. noun
    the act of interfering with or altering something secretly or improperly
    synonyms: tampering
    see moresee less
    type of:
    change of state
    the act of changing something into something different in essential characteristics
  2. adjective
    intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
    synonyms: busy, busybodied, interfering, meddlesome, officious
    intrusive
    tending to intrude (especially upon privacy)
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘meddling'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing meddling

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Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
Roald Dahl

In this sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket and Willa Wonka travel through space.

Vocabulary from Readings 2, Unit 1

This list covers Always Running, "'Race' Politics," "WMDs," and "Chuck Liddell."

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A Snicker of Magic
Natalie Lloyd

Twelve-year-old Felicity Juniper Pickle, with the help of a mysterious Beedle, tries to bring magic back to the town of Midnight Gulch.

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