Drib vs. Dribble — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 30, 2024
Drib is seldom used and lacks a specific context, whereas dribble is a precise action in sports or the slow movement of liquid.
Difference Between Drib and Dribble
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Drib isn't widely recognized as a standalone term in English; its usage is rare and often appears as a typo or short form for dribble. On the other hand, dribble is a well-defined term, especially in sports like basketball, where it denotes the act of moving the ball by bouncing it on the floor, and in general usage, it refers to the slow, unsteady flow of liquid.
Dribble, in basketball, is a fundamental skill that involves controlling the ball by tapping it continuously on the floor. Drib, due to its ambiguous nature, doesn't carry a specific definition or application in sports or any well-established context.
In the context of liquids, to dribble means to flow or let flow in small drops or a thin stream. Drib, if used in this context, might be considered an informal or erroneous version of dribble, lacking precision in conveying the slow movement of liquid.
While dribble has a clear application in describing both a physical activity and the movement of liquids, drib does not convey a distinct action or phenomenon. This difference highlights dribble's versatility and specificity in language use.
Dribble's role in sports and everyday language underscores its significance in describing precise actions or movements. In contrast, drib lacks a defined role, highlighting the importance of context and specificity in language.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Not widely recognized or specific.
In sports, moving a ball by bouncing; slow flow of liquid.
Usage Context
Rare, often considered a typo.
Sports (e.g., basketball) and describing liquid movement.
Specificity
Lacks specific context or application.
Specific actions in sports or the movement of liquids.
Examples in Sports
Not applicable.
Bouncing a basketball continuously while moving.
Examples in General
N/A
Liquid slowly dripping from the edge of a table.
Compare with Definitions
Drib
A small, scarcely noticeable amount.
He added a drib of honey to his tea to slightly sweeten it.
Dribble
To flow or let flow in small drops.
Water dribbled out of the cracked container.
Drib
A tiny drop of a liquid.
A drib of ink fell on the paper, barely noticeable.
Dribble
An uncontrolled or aimless activity.
The conversation dribbled into silence.
Drib
Rarely used term in modern dialogue.
You only hear 'drib' in very specific or old contexts.
Dribble
In sports, to move a ball along by tapping it.
She dribbled past the defenders effortlessly.
Drib
An almost negligible quantity.
Only a drib of rain fell, hardly affecting the drought conditions.
Dribble
A slow, unsteady stream of liquid.
A dribble of syrup made its way down the stack of pancakes.
Drib
A minimal contribution or element.
She contributed a drib of effort to the project.
Dribble
The act of drooling.
The baby dribbled milk down his chin.
Drib
A negligible amount
Finished the work in dribs and drabs.
Dribble
(of a liquid) fall slowly in drops or a thin stream
Rain dribbled down the window
Drib
(transitive) To cut off; chop off.
Dribble
(in soccer, hockey, and basketball) take (the ball) forwards past opponents with slight touches of the feet or the stick, or (in basketball) by continuous bouncing
He attempted to dribble the ball from the goal area
Drib
(transitive) To cut off little by little; cheat by small and reiterated tricks; purloin.
Dribble
(in soccer, hockey, and basketball) an act of taking the ball forward with repeated slight touches or bounces
A mesmerizing dribble by Daley took him through to confirm Villa's victory
Drib
(transitive) To entice step by step.
Dribble
To flow or fall in drops or an unsteady stream; trickle
Water dribbled from the leaky faucet.
Drib
To appropriate unlawfully; to embezzle.
Dribble
To let saliva drip from the mouth; drool.
Drib
To shoot directly at short range.
Dribble
To move a ball or puck by repeated light bounces or kicks, as in basketball or soccer.
Drib
To shoot at a mark at short range.
Dribble
To advance by dribbling
Dribbled down the court.
Drib
To shoot (a shaft) so as to pierce on the descent.
Dribble
To let flow or fall in drops or an unsteady stream.
Drib
To beat; thrash; drub.
Dribble
To move (a ball or puck) by dribbling.
Drib
To scold.
Dribble
To hit (a baseball, for example) so that it bounces slowly and low to the ground.
Drib
To strike another player's marble when playing from the trigger.
Dribble
A weak, unsteady stream; a trickle.
Drib
(obsolete) A drop.
Dribble
A small quantity; a bit.
Drib
To do by little and little
He who drives their bargain dribs a part.
Dribble
(Sports) The act of dribbling a ball.
Drib
To lead along step by step; to entice.
With daily lies she dribs thee into cost.
Dribble
(basketball, soccer) In various ball games, to move (with) the ball, controlling its path by kicking or bouncing it repeatedly.
Drib
To shoot (a shaft) so as to pierce on the descent.
Dribble
To let saliva drip from the mouth; to drool.
The baby dribbled onto its bib.
Drib
A drop.
Dribble
To fall in drops or an unsteady stream; to trickle.
Drib
A small portion or small amount of anything; - used mostly in the phrase dribs and drabs.
Dribble
(transitive) To let something fall in drips.
Dribble
(dated) To live or pass one's time in a trivial fashion.
Dribble
To perform a card flourish in which the cards fall smoothly from one's hand.
Dribble
(uncountable) Drool; saliva.
Dribble
(countable) A weak, unsteady stream; a trickle.
Dribble
(countable) A small amount of a liquid.
Dribble
The act of moving (with) a ball by kicking or bouncing it.
Dribble
(countable) A card flourish in which the cards fall smoothly from one's hand.
Dribble
To fall in drops or small drops, or in a quick succession of drops; as, water dribbles from the eaves.
Dribble
To slaver, as a child or an idiot; to drivel.
Dribble
To fall weakly and slowly.
Dribble
In basketball, football and similar games, to dribble{2} the ball.
Dribble
To live or pass one's time in a trivial fashion.
Dribble
To let fall in drops.
Let the cook . . . dribble it all the way upstairs.
Dribble
In basketball and various other games, to propel (the ball) by successive slight hits or kicks so as to keep it always in control.
Dribble
A drizzling shower; a falling or leaking in drops.
Dribble
An act of dribbling{2} a ball.
Dribble
Flowing in drops; the formation and falling of drops of liquid;
There's a drip through the roof
Dribble
Saliva spilling from the mouth
Dribble
The propulsion of a ball by repeated taps or kicks
Dribble
Run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream;
Water trickled onto the lawn from the broken hose
Reports began to dribble in
Dribble
Let or cause to fall in drops;
Dribble oil into the mixture
Dribble
Propel,
Carry the ball
Dribble the ball
Dribble
Let saliva drivel from the mouth;
The baby drooled
Common Curiosities
Can 'dribble' refer to liquids?
Yes, it can describe the action of a liquid flowing in small drops.
Is 'drib' a common term?
No, 'drib' is quite rare and mostly found in literary or older texts.
How is 'dribble' used in sports?
In sports, dribble means to control and move a ball by continuous tapping or touches.
What does 'drib' mean?
Drib refers to a very small amount or drop of something.
Can dribble be intentional?
Yes, especially in sports, dribbling is a deliberate and skilled action.
What does it mean to dribble in basketball?
It means moving by bouncing the ball on the floor with one hand while walking or running.
Why is controlling a dribble important in soccer?
It allows a player to maintain possession and navigate through opponents.
Can 'dribble' have a negative connotation?
Yes, when referring to liquids, it can suggest a lack of control or messiness.
Are 'drib' and 'dribble' interchangeable?
No, they have distinct meanings and uses.
Does 'drib' have a plural form?
Yes, though rare, it can be pluralized to 'dribs' to indicate tiny amounts.
Is 'drib' used in cooking?
Rarely, it might be used to describe adding a very small amount of an ingredient.
Can 'drib' be used figuratively?
It can, usually to signify a small or insignificant contribution or presence.
What skills are needed to dribble effectively in soccer?
Agility, control, and spatial awareness are crucial for effective dribbling.
Is dribbling necessary in all ball sports?
No, it's specific to sports like basketball, soccer, and hockey, where ball control is key.
How does dribbling affect basketball strategy?
Effective dribbling can create scoring opportunities and disrupt defense.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
