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 of drizzle

Noun

• rainfall
• sprinkle
• precipitation
• mist

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

Each starts with a carbonated drink base (except for the lemonade option), and through flavors, drizzles and creams, take on the form of a doughnut served at Donutology. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

Maple apple crunch at Little Rey Vanilla soft serve is topped with a warm compote of roasted apples and a graham cracker crumble with a drizzle of maple cinnamon. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Verb

Toss thoroughly, drizzle with lemon vinaigrette, toss again, and taste. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Wegmans frozen food Wegmans has a vast selection of frozen foods, including pepperoni pizza drizzled with hot honey. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for drizzle

• chisel
• fizzle
• grizzle
• sizzle

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