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
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 These are the 2024 BHG Food Awards product categories: Flavor Boosters New Basics Shortcuts Treat Yourself Flavor Boosters A spoonful, a drizzle, a sprinkle. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2024 Top with buttercream frosting and decorate with edible flowers or a drizzle of honey. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2024 The special holiday item puts a fruity spin on the fried chicken restaurant’s signature buttery biscuits by adding strawberry bits and a drizzle of creamy icing. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 Reduce heat to medium-high, drizzle oil around perimeter of wok and heat until just smoking. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2024 Finish each handheld treat with a drizzle of honey and vanilla whipped cream and serve in a short Mason jar ($11 for 12, Target). Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 Some lingering light snow or drizzle will be possible overnight. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2024
Verb
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 Use a spoon to dab or drizzle it onto the rice (not the chicken). Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2024 There are also deserts like a funnel cake drizzled with strawberry sauce and sugar, plus Oreo cookies-and-cream pie. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Along with the cheese and meats, the sandwich consists of fresh bread drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, lettuce, tomato and giardiniera — pickled peppers and other veggies. Bryan Lowry, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2024 Then drizzle with our simple powdered sugar icing for a pretty red, white, and blue dessert. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 Place a salmon patty on top of each bun, drizzle with sauce and serve immediately. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2024 According to a news release from the company, the salad features Zaxby's fried chicken fingers or grilled chicken on mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots and crispy wonton strips, topped with Asian slaw and drizzled with a honey sesame teriyaki glaze. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 Sriracha mayonnaise suddenly seemed to be drizzled on everything. Indrani Sen, Fortune, 11 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 19 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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