drizzle

¹driz·zle

noun \ˈdri-zəl\

Definition of DRIZZLE

1

: a fine misty rain

2

: something that is drizzled <a drizzle of syrup>

— driz·zly \ˈdriz-(ə-)lē\ adjective

Examples of DRIZZLE

1. Yes, it's raining, but it's only a drizzle.
2. <the intermittent drizzle was just heavy enough to spoil all of our outdoor activities>

First Known Use of DRIZZLE

1554

Related to DRIZZLE

Synonyms

mist, mizzle, sprinkle

Related Words

precipitation, rainfall, shower

Near Antonyms

cloudburst, deluge, downpour, storm; rainstorm, thunderstorm; monsoon

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

Rhymes with DRIZZLE

chisel, fizzle, frizzle, grizzle, mizzle, pizzle, sizzle, swizzle

²drizzle

verb

driz·zleddriz·zling \-z(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of DRIZZLE

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

— driz·zling·ly \-z(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of DRIZZLE

1. It was beginning to drizzle, so she pulled on her hood.
2. The vegetables were drizzled with olive oil.

Origin of DRIZZLE

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

First Known Use: 1584

Rhymes with DRIZZLE

chisel, fizzle, frizzle, grizzle, mizzle, sizzle, swizzle