# dripping

/ˈdɹɪpɪŋ/ (US) · /dɹˈɪpɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dripping
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. sound or action of falling drops

noun · CEFR B1

the sound or action of liquid falling in small drops.

For teachers: the continuous action or sound of liquid falling in discrete drops.

- The constant dripping of the kitchen tap kept me awake all night.
- The rhythmic dripping from the stalactites echoed through the cavern, marking the slow passage of time in the damp darkness.

Usage: Often used in the singular with the definite article to describe a persistent sound.

### 2. animal fat from cooking

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

the fat that comes out of meat while it is roasting, often saved for cooking.

For teachers: the fat and juices that draw off meat during roasting, traditionally collected for use as a cooking medium or spread.

- My grandmother used to roast potatoes in beef dripping to make them extra crispy.
- The chef carefully strained the pork dripping into a ceramic jar, intending to use it for the following day's confit.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the substance; sometimes used in the plural to refer to the juices in the pan.

### 3. very wet

adjective · CEFR B1

extremely wet, so that liquid is falling off in drops.

For teachers: saturated with liquid to the point of overflow; typically used as a pre-modifier or with 'wet'.

- He came inside out of the rain, his coat dripping wet.
- The athletes emerged from the pool dripping and exhausted, their towels barely able to soak up the excess water.

Usage: Commonly functions as an adverbial intensifier in the phrase 'dripping wet'.

## Examples

- He fried the potatoes in beef dripping for extra flavor.
- After roasting the chicken, she saved the dripping in a small jar to use for making gravy later.
- Traditional recipes often call for beef dripping rather than vegetable oil to achieve a specific crispness and savory depth in fried dishes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.