Twiddle

To repeatedly move something small or insignificant, typically with the fingers, in a nervous, idle, or absentminded manner. This action often involves a sense of fidgeting or playing with an object without a specific purpose or intent. It can also metaphorically refer to manipulating something subtly or surreptitiously, such as "twiddling" with the truth. The act often betrays boredom, anxiety, or a lack of engagement in the present situation. The objects subject to twiddling often include hair, pens, or any small, easily handled items. Twiddling may provide a sense of comfort or focus for the person doing it, though it often distracts the observer.

Twiddle meaning with examples

• He sat in the waiting room, his fingers constantly twiddling the ends of his mustache, a clear sign of his growing apprehension about the doctor's diagnosis. The rhythmic movement did little to calm his nerves as time slowly dragged on.
• She absentmindedly twiddled her pen during the long, tedious meeting, her mind miles away from the presentation being delivered. The repetitive motion was a nervous habit she’d developed in college.
• Anxious about the upcoming exam, the student unconsciously twiddled with a lock of her hair, her eyes darting around the room, a visible display of her mounting stress and anticipation.
• He twiddled the dials on the radio, trying desperately to find a station that wasn't playing advertisements or a show, searching for something of interest.
• The young child sat playing with his fingers, lost in the world of his imagination as he twiddled his fingers back and forth in the air, unaware of the adults conversing.