drizzle

1 of 2

noun

driz·​zle ˈdri-zəl How to pronounce drizzle (audio)
Synonyms of drizzlenext
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

Synonyms of drizzle

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Serve them straight from the oven, or dress them up with a squeeze of lemon juice, a shower of grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. — Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 The most surprising development, though, are the drizzles of paint. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 14 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 See All Example Sentences for drizzle

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

Rhymes for drizzle

See All Rhymes for drizzle

Browse Nearby Words

driving wheel
drizzle
drizzle-drozzle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drizzle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drizzle

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