dribblet

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A small amount: "dribblet" refers to a tiny quantity of something, especially money, paid or given in small, irregular portions.
    • A drop or trickle: It can also mean a small, falling drop or a minimal flow of liquid.
Usage Examples
  • (He repaid the debt in very small, separate amounts over time.)
  • (The contributions came in tiny, scattered sums.)
  • (A single, tiny drop of water emerged before the flow ceased.)
Advanced Usage

  • "in dribblets": in small, often insufficient portions.

    • The government released funds in dribblets, delaying the project. (Money was given out in tiny amounts, causing delays.)

  • "dribblet of hope": a very small, almost negligible amount of hope.

    • Despite the bad news, a dribblet of hope remained. (A tiny spark of optimism persisted.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Dribble (v/n): to flow or let flow in small drops; a thin, unsteady stream.

    • The baby began to dribble milk from his mouth. (A small amount of milk leaked out.)

  • Driblet (n): an alternative spelling of "dribblet," with the same meaning.

    • He received his inheritance in driblets over a decade. (He got the money in tiny portions.)
Synonyms
  • Bit: a small piece or amount.
  • Trickle: a small, slow flow of liquid or money.
  • Pittance: a very small or inadequate amount of money.
  • Fragment: a small part broken off or detached.
Related Idioms

  • Dribs and drabs: small, irregular amounts (often used together with "dribblet" in similar contexts).

    • The information came in dribs and drabs, not all at once. (Data arrived in tiny, scattered pieces.)

  • A drop in the ocean: a very small, insignificant amount compared to what is needed.

    • His contribution was a dribblet, a mere drop in the ocean of the project's budget. (His tiny donation was almost useless against the total cost.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Dribble away: to waste or use up in small amounts.
    • He dribbled away his savings in dribblets on trivial purchases. (He spent his money little by little on unimportant items.)