noun / verb

drizzle

DRIZ-ul/drˈɪzʌl/

Liquid falling lightly in fine drops.

A light drizzle falls as we walk to the bus stop.

Fine, sparse rain falls beneath a pale gray cloud onto a small patch of garden paving and broad leaves, leaving tiny beads and delicate pinprick ripples rather than heavy splashes.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain, though proposed explanations connect the word with falling dew or a verb meaning “fall.” The noun names the fine rain described by the earlier verb.

In context

Shawna Explores4:18

it's not as heavy now. It's more of a light drizzle, but the city is still so pretty. The pavements are glistening and I can still hear the pitterpatter of the rain on my umbrella.

A Rainy Day in Edinburgh | cosy coffee shop, bookshop, early autumn

More examples

It drizzles throughout the afternoon, but we keep hiking.
The rain slows to a fine drizzle.
She drizzles olive oil over the warm vegetables.

Forms

drizzle · drizzles · drizzled · drizzling

drizzly adjective — Marked by light, fine rain.

Similar words

sprinkle: A sprinkle has scattered drops, often larger and less continuous.
rain: Rain includes falling water drops of any size or intensity.