Definition

A small amount of tobacco ash that remains in the bowl of a pipe after smoking, which can be unburned or partially burned tobacco.

Example

After finishing his pipe, he noticed a dottle left in the bowl.

Conversation

Hey, have you ever tried smoking a pipe?

Not really, but I've heard it can be quite relaxing.

Yeah, but you have to deal with the dottle afterwards, which can be a bit annoying.

True, cleaning it out doesn't sound like the most fun part.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'dottle' originates from the dialectal English term 'dottle', meaning a lump of tobacco or a mass of something. It is derived from the verb 'dottle', which means to waste time or to be idle, possibly related to the act of letting tobacco sit unused. The word reflects a sense of idleness or inaction, particularly in the context of smoking.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'lump' of something that is left unused, which helps you remember that 'dottle' refers to a mass of tobacco or a state of idleness.

Visually Confused Words