Meaning
Dribble means to let liquid flow slowly in small drops or a thin stream. It also means to move a ball by repeatedly bouncing or tapping it while moving, as in basketball or soccer.
As a verb, it can mean:
- To flow or fall in drops (e.g., water, saliva).
- To move a ball by bouncing or kicking it repeatedly.
- (Informal) To talk foolishly or aimlessly (British usage).
As a noun, it means:
- A small flow or drop of liquid.
- The act of dribbling, especially in sports.
Grammar and Usage
- Verb forms: dribble – dribbled – dribbled – dribbling
- Part of speech: verb / noun
- Transitivity: Can be intransitive (“The water dribbled down”) or transitive (“He dribbled the ball”).
Typical structures:
- dribble down/from/over
- dribble the ball past someone
Common Phrases
- dribble down one’s chin – when saliva or drink runs from your mouth.
- dribble the ball – to move the ball skillfully in sports.
- a dribble of saliva – a small drop or trickle of saliva.
- dribble away – to waste gradually (e.g., “He dribbled away his money.”)
Collocations
- verb + dribble: begin to dribble, start to dribble, learn to dribble
- noun + dribble: a dribble of water, a dribble of saliva
- adjective + dribble: small dribble, slow dribble
- sports: dribble past an opponent, dribble the ball, control the dribble
Examples
- The baby dribbled milk all over his bib.
- Sweat dribbled down his forehead after the long run.
- She dribbled the basketball past two defenders.
- The faucet dribbles instead of running properly.
- He dribbled away his savings on unnecessary purchases.
- The old man had a dribble of soup on his chin.
- The soccer player lost control of his dribble near the goal.
- A tear dribbled down her cheek.
- The child began to dribble as he teethed.
- He skillfully dribbled the ball across the court.
Synonyms or Related
- flow, trickle, ooze, drip, bounce (in sports)
Antonym
- stop, hold back, pour (fully)