drizzle

1 of 2

noun

driz·​zle ˈdri-zəl 

1

: a fine misty rain

2

: something that is drizzled

a drizzle of syrup

drizzle

2 of 2

verb

drizzled; drizzling ˈdri-zə-liŋ 

ˈdriz-liŋ

transitive verb

1

: to shed or let fall in minute drops or particles

2

: to make wet with minute drops : sprinkle

vegetables drizzled with olive oil

intransitive verb

: to rain in very small drops or very lightly : sprinkle

drizzlingly

ˈdri-zə-liŋ-lē 

ˈdriz-liŋ-

adverb

Synonyms

Noun

• mist
• mizzle
• sprinkle

Examples of drizzle in a Sentence

Noun

Yes, it's raining, but it's only a drizzle.

the intermittent drizzle was just heavy enough to spoil all of our outdoor activities

Verb

It was beginning to drizzle, so she pulled on her hood.

The vegetables were drizzled with olive oil.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Minnesota Minnesota is experiencing multiple alerts due to freezing drizzle, which is creating hazardous travel and outdoor conditions across various regions of the state. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

Monday night: Patchy drizzle before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of showers after 5 a.m. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

Whip up a batch of this homemade creamy sauce and drizzle it on ribs, wings, tenders, and more. get the recipe Angel Biscuits Light and fluffy, these biscuits consistently make your top list. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024

Plant-based and gluten-free, their olive oil is not only nutrient-rich, but tastes delicious, whether as a base for dressing or marinades, or drizzled on dessert. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps alteration of Middle English drysnen to fall, from Old English -drysnian to disappear; akin to Goth driusan to fall

First Known Use

Noun

1554, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1584, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

drizzle

1 of 2 verb

driz·​zle ˈdriz-əl 

drizzled; drizzling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to rain in very small drops

drizzle

2 of 2 noun

: a fine misty rain

drizzly

ˈdriz-(ə-)lē

adjective