fiddle meaning and definition

FIDDLE noun

Definition of fiddle (noun)

1. bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow
   • synonyms: violin

FIDDLE verb

Definition of fiddle (verb)

1. avoid (one's assigned duties)
   • "The derelict soldier shirked his duties"
   • synonyms: goldbrick, shirk, shrink from
2. commit fraud and steal from one's employer
   • "We found out that she had been fiddling for years"
3. play the violin or fiddle
4. play on a violin
   • "Zuckerman fiddled that song very nicely"
5. manipulate manually or in one's mind or imagination
   • "She played nervously with her wedding ring"; "Don't fiddle with the screws"; "He played with the idea of running for the Senate"
   • synonyms: diddle, play, toy
6. play around with or alter or falsify, usually secretively or dishonestly
   • "Someone tampered with the documents on my desk"; "The reporter fiddle with the facts"
   • synonyms: monkey, tamper
7. try to fix or mend
   • "Can you tinker with the T.V. set--it's not working right"; "She always fiddles with her van on the weekend"
   • synonyms: tinker