drizzle

[ driz-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, driz·zled, driz·zling.

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)

, driz·zled, driz·zling.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈdrizzly, adjective

Other Words From

• drizzly adverb

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

The sandwich consists of marinated greens, peanut butter and a drizzle of sriracha layered between two slices of bread that get toasted, a la grilled cheese.

From Washington Post

Especially on cold mornings, a warm bowl, with a pat of salted butter and heavy drizzle of honey, can be quite a comfort.

From Washington Post

A toasted pistachio is set, jewel-like, into each piece, then they get a glistening drizzle of honey seasoned with orange essence, and a shower of fresh mint leaves.

From Washington Post

Keep in mind that the pudding won’t have a lovely bronzed top when cooked this way, so a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and a drizzle of heavy cream is recommended for serving.

From Washington Post

If this sounds like you, look for a speaker that clearly guarantees its water and shock resistance, you should know if your speaker can handle a quick dip in the ocean or if it will start to crumble if exposed to a light drizzle.

From Popular-Science

Cook pancake in pan, add chopped chocolate toaster pastry, and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

From The Daily Beast

Cook waffles in waffle maker, sprinkle chocolate chips and drizzle chocolate sauce.

From The Daily Beast

Ground turkey with sweet potatoes and a drizzle of olive oil only tastes good for so long, after all.

From The Daily Beast

She stood before the news cameras on the courthouse steps wearing a belted black raincoat in a light drizzle.

From The Daily Beast

Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate onto the popcorn and marshmallows in a side-to-side motion.

From The Daily Beast

The day dawned with a steady drizzle of rain, and, after a poor attempt at breakfast, I scoured the neighbourhood for a taxi.

From Project Gutenberg

The rain storm changed into a steady drizzle and the increasing gloom promised complete darkness within half an hour.

From Project Gutenberg

It really did not look plausible that he would come out in the drizzle to see if Foster's car was safely locked in for the night.

From Project Gutenberg

It was all very sordid and very lifeless and altogether discouraging in the drizzle of late afternoon.

From Project Gutenberg

And here is a drizzle come on, and there he will be sitting out in it, I know, if I don't go and drive him in.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dribble
• spray
• sprinkle