meddle

verb

med·​dle ˈme-dᵊl How to pronounce meddle (audio)
meddled; meddling
ˈmed-liŋ,
ˈme-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce meddle (audio)

intransitive verb

: to interest oneself in what is not one's concern : interfere without right or propriety (see propriety sense 1)
I never meddle in other people's private affairsG. B. Shaw

Examples of meddle in a Sentence

please stop meddling in your sister's marriage, even though you mean well
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump isn’t bothered by Putin for the ex-KGB colonel’s consistent efforts to meddle in U.S. elections, his unprovoked invasion of a peaceful neighbor and constant threatening of the NATO alliance. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025 Officials in both places said the visit appeared like an effort to meddle in the island's internal politics and rally support for closer U.S. ties. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 Alabama Barker Responds to Rumors She Was Hospitalized for Nicotine Withdrawal The conflict appeared to begin in December 2024 when Bhabie publicly accused Barker of meddling in her relationship with Le Vaughn, her partner and the father of her child. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025 Elizabeth Olsen doesn’t appreciate Alicia Vikander meddling in her plan to start a family in the trailer for the sci-fi feature The Assessment. Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meddle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English medlen, from Anglo-French mesler, medler, from Vulgar Latin *misculare, from Latin miscēre to mix — more at mix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meddle was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meddle. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

meddle

verb
med·​dle ˈmed-ᵊl How to pronounce meddle (audio)
meddled; meddling ˈmed-liŋ How to pronounce meddle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: to interest oneself in what is not one's concern
meddle in another's business
meddler
ˈmed-lər How to pronounce meddle (audio)
-ᵊl-ər
noun

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