drip etymology

Etymology

The word "drip" is onomatopoeic, derived from the sound of liquid falling drop by drop. It is first attested in the early 13th century.

Meaning and Origin

1. To fall or flow in drops:

  • "The rain was dripping from the eaves."
  • "Water dripped from the faucet."

2. To shed or lose liquid drop by drop:

  • "He dripped blood from his wound."
  • "The candle dripped wax onto the table."

3. To leak or ooze:

  • "The roof was dripping after the storm."
  • "The oil pan is dripping."

4. To be constantly or gradually released:

  • "Information was dripping out about the scandal."
  • "Success was dripping into his hands."

5. A drop of liquid:

  • "A drip of water fell on my nose."
  • "A few drips of wine remained in the glass."

6. An intravenous infusion:

  • "He was given a drip to supply him with fluids."

Origin

The word "drip" is ultimately of Germanic origin. It is related to the Middle English word "droppen," the Old English word "droppian," and the Dutch and German word "tropfen." All of these words share the same onomatopoeic root, capturing the sound of liquid falling.

drip relate terms

  • droop

    Etymology The word droop is derived from the Middle English word droupen which in tu

  • drop

    Etymology From Middle English droppe from Old English dropa ddropa drop small porti

  • drop

    Etymology From Middle English droppe from Old English dropa ddropa drop small porti

  • drop

    Etymology From Middle English droppe from Old English dropa ddropa drop small porti

  • dreary

    Etymology The word dreary is derived from the Middle English word drey which means

  • trickle

    Etymology The word trickle derives from the Middle English term trikelen which itsel

  • stagnate

    Etymology From Latin stagnāre to make or become stagnant from stagnum stagnant

  • stalactite

    Etymology The word stalactite comes from the Greek word stalaktos which means drip

  • distill

    Etymology Distil verb Latin destillare De down away stillāre to dri

  • soap

    Etymology The word soap derives from the Old English word sāpe pronounced sah peh

  • descend

    Etymology Old French descendre Latin descendere De down scandere to climb Me

  • prod

    Etymology Latin prodere meaning to betray to expose Old French proder prower me

  • pour

    Etymology Pour comes from the Middle English word poren which is ultimately derived