drizzle

[ driz-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, driz·zled, driz·zling.

1. to rain gently and steadily in fine drops; sprinkle:

   It drizzled throughout the night.

2. to fall in fine drops.

verb (used with object)

, driz·zled, driz·zling.

1. to pour in a fine stream:

   Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumb topping.

2. to rain or let fall in fine drops or particles; sprinkle:

   He then drizzled grated cheese over the hot pasta.

noun

1. a very light rain.
2. Meteorology. precipitation consisting of numerous minute droplets of water less than 0.02 inch (0.5 millimeter) in diameter.

drizzle

/ ˈdrɪzəl /

noun

1. very light rain, specifically consisting of droplets less than 0.5 mm in diameter

verb

1. intr to rain lightly
2. tr to moisten with tiny droplets

Derived Forms

• ˈdrizzly, adjective

Other Words From

• drizzly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of drizzle¹

First recorded in 1535–45; perhaps back formation from dryseling, dissimilated variant of Middle English drysning “fall (of dew)”; akin to Old English drēosan “to fall”; cognate with Old Saxon driosan, Gothic driusan

Word History and Origins

Origin of drizzle¹

Old English drēosan to fall; related to Old Saxon driosan, Gothic driusan, Norwegian drjōsa

Example Sentences

A brief drizzle Sunday evening gave firefighters a short break but did not make a long-term dent in drought conditions or wildfire risks.

From Slate

While there was some rain in Scotland last weekend, for much of England and Wales, apart from drizzle and general dampness, the last time we saw any appreciable rainfall was on Monday 28 October.

From BBC

The bowl “features crisp hash browns with a blend of tender shredded brisket, scrambled eggs, smoked cheddar cheese, poblano peppers, caramelized onions, and seasonings, all topped with a drizzle of cheddar queso.”

From Salon

On a recent visit we saw dozens of tired families - from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Eritrea and elsewhere - gathering in the drizzle at a muddy spot where humanitarian groups provide daily meals and medical assistance.

From BBC

There’s also a chance of patchy drizzle in Los Angeles County starting late Sunday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dribble
• spray
• sprinkle