drizzle

[driz-uhl]

verb (used without object)

drizzled, drizzling 

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)

drizzled, drizzling 

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

Other Word Forms

• drizzly adjective

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

Once everything is brown and caramelized, throw in a bowl and top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Read more on Salon

Still, on a recent Friday, day laborers milled around even as it began to drizzle again.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

By contrast, toxically naive Glinda is convinced that everyone could be kind if she drizzled them with honey.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I added a little more butter, then, with a thrill of reckless curiosity, drizzled in maple syrup, white miso, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds and oregano, watching each addition dissolve and bloom.

Read more on Salon

Or take a bright yuzu marmalade: pair it with black sesame seeds, flaked coconut, a drizzle of coconut cream, a swirl of tahini, and a scatter of lime zest.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• dribble 
• spray 
• sprinkle