dab (something) off

dab (something) off

To remove something, often with light and careful strokes. I dabbed the jam off of my son's face after lunch. I dabbed the toothpaste off the mirror before mom saw it.See also: dab, off

dab something off (of) something

 and dab something offto pat or wipe something off something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) Please dab the butter off your chin. Please dab off the butter. Dab the moisture off of the apples.See also: dab, off