driblet

or drib·blet

[ drib-lit ]

noun

1. a small portion or part.
2. a small or petty sum.

driblet

/ ˈdrɪblɪt /

noun

1. a small quantity or amount, as of liquid

Word History and Origins

Origin of driblet¹

1590–1600; obsolete drib (v.) ( dribble ) + -let

Word History and Origins

Origin of driblet¹

C17: from obsolete drib to fall bit by bit + -let

Example Sentences

Mr. Ivanishvili’s political opponents, however, compare him to a feudal lord, who sprays little driblets of wealth on people to buy their good will.

From New York Times

The Abbot wiped driblets of water from his patient’s chin.

From Literature

“A Mandarin tutor came weekly to Whackadoodles to teach us driblets of vocabulary and once in a while a song,” Ari says.

From New York Times

She did this about a dozen times, watching the saliva dribble down the pane and speculating with herself which driblet would make the longest journey.

From Project Gutenberg

If there is within reach an ocean of truth, why is it doled out to us in driblets which hardly wet our lips, when we are burning with thirst?

From Project Gutenberg