Mizzle: meaning, definitions and examples

Mizzle is used to describe very light rain, almost like a misty drizzle, usually gentle and often associated with foggy conditions.

• We walked through the mizzle, feeling only a slight dampness on our faces

Drizzle describes light rain with very fine drops, often continuous over a period of time, usually not heavy enough to cause inconvenience.

• The weather forecast predicts drizzle all afternoon, so take an umbrella

Sprinkle is used for very light rain falling in scattered drops, not continuous or heavy, often brief and intermittent.

• I felt a sprinkle of rain as I stepped outside, but it stopped after a few minutes

Mist refers to tiny droplets of water suspended in the air, often reducing visibility but not necessarily falling as rain. It is more about moisture in the air than actual rain.

• The early morning mist made it difficult to see the road clearly

Used to describe a very light rain that is not quite a mist, but not significant enough to be called a drizzle. Often poetic or literary.

• The morning walk was refreshing with a soft mizzle that barely touched the ground

Commonly used to describe light rain that falls steadily. Suitable for everyday conversations and weather reports.

• Don't forget your umbrella; it looks like a drizzle is coming our way

Describes light rain that falls sporadically. Often evokes a gentle or light-hearted feeling.

• There was a light sprinkle in the air as they walked through the park

Informal, sometimes with a negative connotation. Refers to very light and intermittent rain, often annoying.

• I thought it was going to rain heavily, but it's just spitting