idle definition - Dictionary

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idle

i·dle [ d'l ]

adjective (comparative i·dler, superlative i·dlest)

Definition:

1. not working or in use: not working, operating, producing, or in use

2. lazy: lazy and unwilling to work

3. frivolous: frivolous and a waste of time

idle pleasures

4. unfounded: having no basis in fact

idle gossip

5. ineffective: unlikely to be carried out or impossible to put into effect

idle threats

6. not earning money: not being used to yield a financial return

idle funds

7. not playing: not playing or competing

Green Bay and Minnesota are idle this weekend.

noun

Definition:

speed of engine with gear disengaged: the state in which a motor vehicle engine is running but is not in gear

verb (past and past participle i·dled, present participle i·dling, 3rd person present singular i·dles)

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb run without applying power: to run gently with the gear disengaged, or allow a motor vehicle engine to do this

2. transitive verb make somebody unemployed: to make somebody unemployed or inactive

3. transitive and intransitive verb pass time aimlessly: to be lazy and avoid work, or pass the time in this way

He idled away the morning.

4. intransitive verb move slowly and aimlessly: to move in a slow and lazy or aimless way

[ Old English īdel "worthless, empty" < Germanic]

i·dle·ness noun

i·dly adverb

Spelling Note


	idle or idol? Do not confuse the spelling of idle and idol, which sound similar. Idle is an adjective meaning "lazy" or "not in use," as in machines lying idle, or a verb meaning "move slowly" or "pass time lazily," as in idle away the afternoon. Idol is a noun denoting an object of adoration, as in a pop idol, worshiping idols.