dribble

You probably first think of basketball when you hear "dribble": bouncing the ball and moving it down the court. But the word has several meanings. It can also describe liquid coming out slowly in small drops, like water from a leaky faucet. It can even describe saliva running from the mouth. In another sense, it can mean to talk on and on without saying anything important; for instance, someone might dribble on about a golf game for hours at Thanksgiving dinner.

Think of a basketball player controlling the bounce, water slowly escaping a tap, saliva running from a baby's mouth, or words pouring out with no clear point. The idea is usually the same: something comes out or moves little by little. You can even dribble a soccer ball with quick, short kicks while you run.

The word "dribble" has several related meanings. Most commonly, we connect it with sports, especially moving a ball with a series of short, controlled touches. A skilled basketball player can dribble around defenders while keeping control and speed. Soccer players also dribble, guiding the ball past opponents with light taps of the feet.

However, "dribble" is not limited to sports. It can also describe a slow flow of liquid in small drops. A faucet might dribble water even when it seems fully turned off, or gravy might dribble down your chin if you are not careful. This meaning also extends to saliva slowly running from the mouth, especially in babies or sleeping people.

Interestingly, "dribble" also has a figurative meaning: to talk in a long, rambling way without getting to the point. If someone "dribbles on" about their day, they keep talking without saying much that matters. So, whether you are watching a game, fixing a leak, wiping a baby's chin, or politely trying to end a wandering conversation, "dribble" describes something that comes out or moves little by little.