English Reference

Word

dripping

Phoneticsdrip·ping, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdɹɪpɪŋ/

UK/dɹˈɪpɪŋ/

Definitions

01sound or action of falling drops

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the sound or action of liquid falling in small drops.

n. 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.

Synonyms

02animal fat from cooking

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Cooking British English

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

n. 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.

Synonyms

lardtallow

03very wet

B1 · Intermediate

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

adj. 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'.

Antonyms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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