dribble

[ drib-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

dribbled, dribbling.

1. to fall or flow in drops or small quantities; trickle.
2. to drivel; slaver.
3. Sports. to advance a ball or puck by bouncing it or giving it a series of short kicks or pushes.

verb (used with object)

dribbled, dribbling.

1. to let fall in drops.
2. Sports.
   1. Basketball. to bounce (the ball) as in advancing or keeping control of it.
   2. (especially in ice hockey and soccer) to move (the ball or puck) along by a rapid succession of short kicks or pushes.

noun

1. a small trickling stream or a drop.
2. a small quantity of anything:

   a dribble of revenue.

3. Sports. an act or instance of dribbling a ball or puck.
4. Scot. a drizzle; a light rain.

dribble

/ ˈdrɪbəl /

verb

1. usually intr to flow or allow to flow in a thin stream or drops; trickle
2. intr to allow saliva to trickle from the mouth
3. (in soccer, basketball, hockey, etc) to propel (the ball) by repeatedly tapping it with the hand, foot, or stick

noun

1. a small quantity of liquid falling in drops or flowing in a thin stream
2. a small quantity or supply
3. an act or instance of dribbling

Derived Forms

• ˈdribbly, adjective
• ˈdribbler, noun

Other Word Forms

• dribbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dribble¹

1555–65; frequentative of obsolete drib (v.), probably variant of drip

Word History and Origins

Origin of dribble¹

C16: frequentative of drib, variant of drip

Example Sentences

Conservative Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham wanted athletes to “shut up and dribble” and the Dodgers are doing the baseball equivalent of just that.

From Los Angeles Times

Of the dribbles attempted, only 46% have been completed - indicating players are not so used to trying to take defenders on.

From BBC

Flick focused his work on the importance of making smarter decisions, knowing when to dribble, when to pass, and the more direct style suited him too.

From BBC

Garnacho has attempted 65 dribbles but only completed 20 - 75th among Premier League players.

From BBC

Before the season opener, he watched as the Bruins conducted a basketball clinic in the suburbs of Paris with economically disadvantaged children, teaching them how to dribble with each hand, jump stop and pivot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drizzle
• ooze
• squirt