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idle

/ˈaɪdəl/ adjective, verb · British & US
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What does idle mean?

adjective, verb

Not working or active; not busy. To spend time doing nothing, often because one is waiting for something to happen or because one is unable to do anything else.

Example

"The engine was idle, waiting for the driver to put it into gear."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for idle

Antonyms of idle

Rhymes with idle