drizzle

American  

[driz-uhl] / ˈdrɪz əl /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈdrɪzəl /

noun

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

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verb

1. (intr) to rain lightly

2. (tr) to moisten with tiny droplets

Other Word Forms

• drizzly adverb

Etymology

Origin of drizzle

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

Example Sentences

Light drizzle turned heavy and overs began to be lost after more than an hour and 10 minutes' delay.

From Barron's

A drizzle and chill could not discourage hundreds of fans with umbrellas from lining the fairways to cheer for their favorite players on the 100-year anniversary of the tournament originally called the LA Open.

From Los Angeles Times

I had to spice up the salsa with drizzles of Tabasco.

From Los Angeles Times

Honeyed roasted squash spooned over thick yogurt with a drizzle of maple syrup.

From Salon

Though it’s expected to start drizzling overnight, Angelenos likely won’t see heavy rainfall until late Monday afternoon, with showers predicted through the evening.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dribble
• spray
• sprinkle