drizzle
UK[ˈdrɪz(ə)l]US[ˈdrɪz(ə)l]
v
To rain lightly in very small drops.
n
Light rain falling in very fine drops.
Etymology
The word 'drizzle' is an evocative example of onomatopoeia, its sound mimicking the gentle, whispering patter of very fine rain. It emerged in Middle English (as drisen, dresen), likely evolving from the Old English verb drēosan, meaning 'to fall' or 'to perish,' which itself traces back to a Proto-Germanic root. Over centuries, the word's form was shaped by its sonic association with the light, sifting quality of the precipitation it describes, solidifying its specific meteorological meaning distinct from heavier rain.
Analysis
The word 'drizzle' is a simplex word of imitative origin, likely from Old English drēosan (to fall) and reinforced by Middle English dresen. Its form is influenced by the sound of light rain or sifting.
Examples
It's starting to drizzle, so you might want to take an umbrella.
The forecast calls for a light drizzle throughout the morning.
She could hear the steady drizzle against the windowpane.