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

Toss them on a parchment-lined sheet, drizzle with a bit of butter, and dust with cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt.

Read more on Salon

They slept under the open sky, but when a light drizzle fell, Ms Estalicas and her family wrapped themselves up in plastic bags because they did not have raincoats.

Read more on BBC

As afternoon turned to evening Tuesday, the blue skies over the city gave way to clouds and drizzle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Extra virgin olive oil, for example, is packed with antioxidants and beneficial compounds but its low smoke point means it is better for salad dressings or drizzling over food rather than deep frying.

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The valley is shrouded in a heavy drizzle and the streets are quiet on the road to Ystalyfera.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• dribble 
• spray 
• sprinkle