dribble

[ drib-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, drib·bled, drib·bling.

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)

, drib·bled, drib·bling.

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 Words From

• 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

But even with his new and improved conditioning, Mara is far less agile than Kyle and susceptible to being beaten off the dribble by more athletic counterparts.

From Los Angeles Times

The two players talked about how when Christie checked in later that night, Russell would try to break down a defender off the dribble, allowing for Christie to quickly cut backdoor for a layup.

From Los Angeles Times

He loves to dribble through a crowd, completing 41 progressive carries this campaign, not far off double that of any other United player.

From BBC

Ingraham’s suggestion that James “shut up and dribble” pushed the player to produce a docuseries on Black athletes advocating for change.

From Salon

He is not the guy who is going to dribble past 10 players, or try something flash.

From BBC

Related Words

• drizzle
• ooze
• squirt