dribble
UK: ˈdrɪb.əl | US: ˈdrɪb.əl
vi. to let saliva or liquid flow slowly from the mouth
vt. to move a ball forward with small, light kicks or bounces (in sports)
n. a small, intermittent flow of liquid
n. (sports) the act of controlling a ball while moving
dribble = drib<to fall in drops> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- drib<to fall in drops>: From Middle English dribben, a variant of drip, meaning "to fall in small drops."
- le<frequentative verb suffix>: A suffix used to form verbs indicating repeated or continuous action (e.g., sparkle, twinkle).
Etymology Origin:
The word dribble originated in the 16th century, derived from the Middle English dribben, which evolved from drip. The -le suffix was added to emphasize the repetitive or gradual nature of the action, whether referring to liquid trickling or the controlled movement of a ball in sports. The sports sense emerged later, metaphorically extending the idea of small, controlled movements.
The baby began to dribble while teething.
The player dribbled past two defenders before scoring.
A dribble of paint ran down the canvas.
His dribble skills make him a standout in basketball.
She wiped the dribble of coffee from the table.