Drizzle
/ˈdrɪz.əl/noun
Light rain falling in fine drops.
Did you know?Drizzle is probably related to a Germanic base meaning “to fall in drops” or “to sprinkle,” and it shows how English often turns simple weather into vivid sound-symbolism.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*drus- / *driz-
“A base associated with falling or sprinkling in small drops”
Old English
OE
drēosan
“To fall, drop, or sink down”
Middle English
ME
drislen / drislin
“To rain lightly; to fall in small drops”
16th Century
English
drizzle
“Light rain or fine falling drops”
Modern English
English
drizzle
“Light rain falling in fine drops”