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

Advertisement Article continues below this ad There’s a 20% to 30% chance of rain, with some locations picking up more than just a few sprinkles or drizzle. — Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 31 Oct. 2026

Showers or drizzle are still possible Saturday, which is Halloween. — Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Verb

Generously grease the bottom and sides of a 9-x-3-inch metal baking pan with the butter, then drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of the olive oil evenly over the bottom; this will ensure that the bread doesn’t stick. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Transfer toasted walnuts to a small bowl and drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 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