dribbles

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitivesport

   In sports, to move a ball forward with small, quick touches or bounces.

   Grammar: Can be used with an object (dribble the ball) or without (he dribbles well).

   Patterns

   • dribble the ball
   • dribble past someone
   • dribble down the field

   He dribbles the ball with amazing control.

   She dribbles past two defenders and scores.

   The point guard dribbles up the court.

2. 2verbintransitive

   To let liquid or saliva flow slowly from the mouth.

   Grammar: No object; often used of babies or people who are asleep or unconscious.

   Patterns

   • dribble from something
   • dribble down something

   The baby dribbles when she is teething.

   He was so tired that he fell asleep and dribbled on the pillow.

3. 3verbintransitive

   To flow or fall in small drops or a thin stream.

   Grammar: Used for liquids; often followed by 'from' or 'down'.

   Patterns

   • dribble from something
   • dribble down something

   A little oil dribbles from the bottle.

   Water dribbles down the side of the glass.

4. 4nouncountable

   A small flow of liquid or saliva.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural 'dribbles' for several small amounts.

   Patterns

   • a dribble of something

   There were dribbles of paint on the floor.

   He wiped the dribble from his chin.

Word forms

Common combinations

dribble past

The winger dribbled past the fullback.

dribble down

Sweat dribbled down his face.

a dribble of

Add a dribble of olive oil.

Synonyms and how they differ

drip

A drip is a drop of liquid falling slowly; 'dribble' suggests a more continuous, thin flow.

leak

Leak means liquid escapes from a hole or container, often unintentionally; dribble can be a gentle flow from the mouth or a ball.

Word family

dribbler noun

A person who dribbles, especially in sports.

Practice

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