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

For an affordable meal, try making a hearty grain bowl with brown rice or quinoa, topped with sautéed vegetables, beans, and a drizzle of olive oil. —Quora, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Even in the drizzle of a rainy day, the quarterback was dropping the ball right into the hands of his receivers. —Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Verb

Slice French bread, drizzle it with olive oil, and cook in the oven until toasted on both sides. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2025

It is drizzled with Salsa Arabe, a traditional Pueblan chipotle pepper salsa with the perfect amount of spice. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025

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