Daub

To daub is to apply a substance, usually a thick or sticky one, carelessly or haphazardly, often without skill or precision. This action typically involves smearing or spreading the substance onto a surface. The result can be a crude or imperfect covering, lacking finesse. The term suggests a lack of artistry or careful application. Often the substance is of a paint-like nature or of a similar consistency, applied to surfaces like walls, canvases or fabrics. The intent may or may not be decorative, but the application itself is what is key to the definition. The act of daubing can sometimes indicate a quick, temporary, or unfinished state of a work, project or task.

Daub meaning with examples

• The child, playing with mud, decided to daub the garden fence with a thick layer of it, creating a messy and somewhat comical display. The parents, after witnessing the aftermath, decided to clean the mud from the fence. The artwork, in their opinion, was not gallery ready. The once pristine white fence was now adorned with the effects of a child's unsupervised play.
• During the art class, the students were asked to daub paint onto the canvas, using their fingers for a more tactile experience. One student struggled with the texture of the paint, while others created more intricate works. The end result was a collection of varied compositions, with each student demonstrating their own level of skill.
• The construction workers quickly daubed sealant onto the exposed pipe joints to protect them from the elements, focusing on speed rather than precision. This helped to ensure the weather would not interfere with their schedule. The priority was on a quick and efficient sealing of the pipes, safeguarding their ongoing project.
• In her haste to apply makeup, she carelessly daubed foundation onto her face, resulting in an uneven and streaky complexion. The makeup was smeared across her face, and she looked like she was in a rush. She would have to apply it again later to avoid going out in public with such a poor presentation.
• The primitive artist, working with natural pigments, daubed images of animals onto the cave walls, creating a series of basic, but meaningful paintings. The artwork was crude, but still gave a great impression of the animals that roamed the world during the time period it was produced.