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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

Drizzle is a very light rain shower. You might grab an umbrella before you head out for a walk in the drizzle. When the weather report calls for drizzle, you know it's going to be a damp day, although you might leave your galoshes and rain suit at home. Drizzle is heavier than mist, but just a bit — and you can use it as a verb, too: "It's supposed to drizzle this evening, but our picnic is still on." The word drizzle stems from the now-obsolete drysning, "a falling of dew," from the Old English drēosan, "to fall."

Example Sentences

Even rain, a rarity in a region that averages fewer than 20 days a year, has a habit of arriving during the tournament’s early-March window, occasionally bringing cold drizzle and delays.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

He’d heeded Bojsen-Møller’s advice and gone easy with the drizzle of red wine added at the end.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Braving a cold drizzle, the protesters cheered loudly when Pahlavi took the stage and told the crowd: "I am here to guarantee a transition to a secular democratic future".

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

Brat singer Charli XCX was also among the stars braving the drizzle.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

A light drizzle began outside, and the smell of rain on dust filled the room.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• dribble
• spray
• sprinkle