twiddle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a series of small (usually idle) twists or turns
  2. verb turn in a twisting or spinning motion
    swirl; whirl; twirl.
    • The leaves swirled in the autumn wind
  3. verb manipulate, as in a nervous or unconscious manner
    fiddle with.
    • He twiddled his thumbs while waiting for the interview

WordNet

Twid"dle transitive verb
Etymology
Probably of imitative origin. Cf. Tweedle.
Definitions
  1. To touch lightly, or play with; to tweedle; to twirl; as, to twiddle one's thumbs; to twiddle a watch key. Written also twidle. Thackeray.
Twid"dle intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To play with anything; hence, to be busy about trifles. Halliwell.
Twid"dle noun
Definitions
  1. A slight twist with the fingers.
  2. A pimple. Prov. Eng. Halliwell.

Webster 1913