Dribble Meaning and Definition
Dribble
Pronunciation
/ˈdrɪbəl/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To let fall in drops or small quantities, often unintentionally.
Examples
- The child would dribble jelly on the floor while eating.
- She dribbled coffee on her shirt while rushing to work.
Synonyms
- Drip
- Spill
Antonyms
- Contain
- Hold
Additional Information
Dribbling can be a messy and frustrating experience, often requiring quick cleanup to avoid making a bigger mess. In sports, dribbling refers to the act of controlling the ball while moving, such as in basketball or soccer.
In a more figurative sense, dribbling can also refer to slowly releasing or surrendering control over something, such as power or responsibility.
Etymology
The word “dribble” comes from the Old English word “dribbian,” which means “to fall or trickle in drops.”
Usage Notes
Use “dribble” to describe the act of letting fall in drops or small quantities, often unintentionally. For example, “The faucet dribbled water onto the countertop.”
Cultural References
In popular culture, dribbling is often used as a comedic device, such as in cartoons or slapstick comedy.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
- Drip feed
- Trickle down
Collocations
- dribble coffee
- dribble water
Frequency of Use
The word “dribble” is moderately common in modern language, often used in everyday conversation to describe messy or careless situations.
Common Misspellings
- dribbel
- dribl