to noodle
8
6.8
- verb
- /ˈnuːdəl/
- Informal
:
improvisar
- Ruth smiled and fingerpicked some more, a tune not going anywhere, just noodling.
- noodle around
The the first strains of like what the song that became get back, you know, and he's kind of noodling and like over the first few days.
- The the first strains of like what the song that became get back, you know, and he's kind of noodling and like over the first few days.
- But you can tell his crafted solos are much better than him just noodling the licks.
Examples
-
A really great title came to me recently, and I'm already noodling around ideas.
Academic text (2011) -
One of the guitar players, a tall old guy named Dale, was still sitting up front and noodling on his guitar.
Fiction book (1998) -
Gonna have to noodle on that one a little more.
-
Ah, well, I like to noodle.
-
I just noodle along, I'm not so good.
Fiction book (2001) -
So feel free to start noodling on what questions you might want to ask Doctor Johnson.
-
Well, thank you for noodling on it with me, Ross.
-
When we got back to Brad's apartment, he noodled around with his horns for two hours.
Fiction book (1999) -
He picks up a plastic Casio-type guitar/keyboard (a child's toy) and starts noodling pre-programmed rock licks.
Fiction book (2001) -
Bleeker is sitting next to his bed, noodling on the guitar.
Synonyms
28
6.1
Do something without planning or preparation and improvise
10
6.3
To speak or play music by making it up as you go
4
4.1
To perform music, dance, or speech without planning and make it up as you go
3
6.2
To perform without a script, making scenes or music on the spot
1
8.0
To play an instrument in a relaxed way without serious practice
1
8.6
Play an instrument in a relaxed way without planning
1
9.3
To play a wind instrument gently for fun
To play an instrument lightly in a careless or repeating way
Phrasal Verbs
Compounds
5
1.0
A soup with pieces of chicken, noodles, and vegetables in hot chicken broth
How Purposeful
Surface Forms
Etymology
As a verb, noodle means to play music in a loose, aimless way. Think of your fingers moving like long, soft noodles, twisting and trying ideas without a plan, so to 'noodle' on an instrument is to play casually and experiment.