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drizzle
/ˈdrɪzəl/
light rain
It's drizzling outside, so take an umbrella.
It's raining lightly, so take an umbrella to stay dry.
neutral
light rain consisting of very small or fine drops.
The weather forecast predicts drizzle for the afternoon.
The weather report says it will rain lightly this afternoon.
She stepped out without a jacket and got soaked in the drizzle.
She went outside without rain protection and got wet from the light rain.
Drizzle is lighter than rain but heavier than mist or fog.
neutral
to rain lightly.
It started to drizzle just as we reached the park.
Light rain began falling just as we arrived at the park.
Used as an intransitive verb.
Collocations
light drizzlevery fine rainconstant drizzlelight rain that continues steadilydrizzle onto rain lightly
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'mist' and 'rain'
Drizzle consists of fine water droplets that fall slowly and are large enough to feel on your skin, unlike mist which is a fine spray you can barely feel. Unlike heavier rain, drizzle droplets are small and don't create puddles quickly.
Gold Rule
Use 'drizzle' for light rain
Use 'drizzle' when describing very light rain that falls steadily but doesn't create large puddles or heavy runoff. It's lighter than 'rain' but heavier than 'mist'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'drizzle' (to rain lightly), of imitative origin, related to 'drizzle' in Dutch and 'dröseln' in German.
Usage Notes
Drizzle is a common term in weather forecasts and everyday conversation about light rain. It is often used to describe a gentle, steady fall of fine raindrops rather than large drops.
English Dictionary