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

There are so many dishes a drizzle of chilli crisp can lift to another level. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 22 June 2026

Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026

Verb

They can be served hot out of the oven, warm or at room temperature, with the sauce drizzled on top. — Tribune News Service, Denver Post, 24 June 2026

Fill cabbage leaves with a mixture of meat, pork, and rice, and then drizzle with a Creole sauce for an extra kick. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 June 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