drizzle

1 of 2

noun

driz·​zle ˈdri-zəl How to pronounce drizzle (audio)
1
: a fine misty rain
2
: something that is drizzled
a drizzle of syrup

drizzle

2 of 2

verb

drizzled; drizzling ˈdri-zə-liŋ How to pronounce drizzle (audio)
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 How to pronounce drizzle (audio)
ˈdriz-liŋ-
adverb

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
They are topped with a drizzle of boysenberry balsamic and garnished with fresh basil for a Caprese finishing touch. Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 That drizzle may come from the outermost part of a system migrating from the north that is expected to graze the North Bay. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Perhaps a couple of spits of drizzle are possible where fog develops. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 Intermittent drizzle has snuffed out the early morning sun. Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Feb. 2024 For the hot honey pizza ($12) the double pepperoni pie gets a drizzle of chili pepper honey. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 The whole branzino arrived crispy skinned and topped with pink pickled ginger shoots, Tokyo turnip and celery leaf salad and a drizzle of lemon-chili vinaigrette. The Arizona Republic, 1 Feb. 2024 Thursday night looks cloudier again with patchy drizzle possible as lows range through the 40s. Matt Rogers, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Rain is likely before 1 a.m., then a chance of drizzle between 1 and 4 a.m. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
Plaid Party Doughnut An unglazed shell filled with white Kreme filling, dipped in chocolate icing and drizzled with green icing. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2024 The Plaid Party donut is filled with Krispy Kreme’s classic filling, dipped in chocolate icing and drizzled with green icing. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The profiteroles, drizzled with warm, rich, dark chocolate, are like little elegant ice cream sandwiches freckled with powdered sugar. Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 Use as a bread dipper or drizzle lightly over roasted veggies. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2024 What had started as a drizzling shower intensified as the night went on. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2024 With the motor running, drizzle in about 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, forming a rich green paste. Julia Turshen, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 With blender running, slowly drizzle in sesame and peanut oil through the feed tube until dressing emulsifies. Mary G. Pepitone, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 After the skillet has come out of the oven, and while the tadka is still sizzling, drizzle the spiced oil over the eggs and greens. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'drizzle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of drizzle was in 1554

Dictionary Entries Near drizzle

Cite this Entry

“Drizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drizzle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

drizzle

1 of 2 verb
driz·​zle ˈdriz-əl How to pronounce drizzle (audio)
drizzled; drizzling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to rain in very small drops

drizzle

2 of 2 noun
: a fine misty rain
drizzly
ˈdriz-(ə-)lē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on drizzle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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