Definition of drizzle

The word "drizzle" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. The earliest recorded use of the word "drizzle" dates back to the 9th century, when it was spelled "drislian" or "drisil". It was derived from the Old English word "drislian", which roughly translates to "to dribble" or "to trickle". Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved. During the Middle English period (circa 1100-1500), the word "drizzle" emerged as a verb, meaning to scatter or spread something in a thin, scattered manner. It wasn't until the 16th century that the word gained its modern meaning, referring to the act of rainfall in a fine or scattered manner. Today, the word "drizzle" is commonly used to describe the gentle, steady rain that is characteristic of many parts of the world.