# dribble

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈdɹɪ.bəl/ · frequency rank #26,766

## Definitions
1. In various ball games, to move (with) the ball, controlling its path by kicking or bouncing it repeatedly.
2. To let saliva drip from the mouth; to drool.
3. To fall in drops or an unsteady stream; to trickle.
4. To move or roll slowly.
5. To let something fall in drips.
6. To live or pass one's time in a trivial fashion.
7. To perform a card flourish in which the cards fall smoothly from one's hand.

## Etymology
From drib + -le (frequentative suffix).

## Easily confused with
- **drizzle** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/dribble-vs-drizzle)
- **dabble** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/dabble-vs-dribble)

## Common misspellings (9)
`ddribble`, `dirbble`, `drbible`, `dribbel`, `dribblle`, `driblbe`, `drible`, `drribble`, `rdibble`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/dribble