Drop vs. Droplet — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Drop refers to a small amount of liquid falling or hanging in a rounded shape; a droplet is specifically a very small drop, often seen in mist or spray.
Difference Between Drop and Droplet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A drop is a small volume of liquid that has either fallen from a larger body of liquid or hangs from it, shaped by surface tension. Whereas, a droplet refers specifically to a smaller version of a drop, typically found in fine mists or sprays.
In terms of size, a drop might vary considerably and is not restricted to a particular dimension, making it applicable in various contexts like raindrops or drops of medicine. On the other hand, a droplet is characteristically tiny, often used to describe particles of liquid dispersed in air or in a fine spray.
When considering their usage in language, "drop" can be used both as a noun and a verb, suggesting both the physical form and the action of falling. Droplet, however, is used only as a noun, emphasizing its form.
Environmental impact illustrates another difference; for instance, raindrops can contribute significantly to water cycles and weather patterns. In contrast, droplets, such as those from aerosols, play roles in areas like cloud formation and can be vehicles for the spread of pathogens.
Visually, a drop is often observable with the naked eye and can be easily distinguished when it falls or rests on a surface. Whereas, droplets may require magnification to be seen clearly, especially when suspended in air or forming a fine mist.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Variable, generally larger
Very small, microscopic in some cases
Form Usage
Can be a noun and a verb
Primarily used as a noun
Typical Context
Rain, medicine, leaks
Mists, sprays, aerosols
Visibility
Easily visible to the naked eye
Often requires magnification to see clearly
Environmental Role
Significant in water cycles, weather
Important in cloud formation, pathogen transmission
Compare with Definitions
Drop
The act of falling in liquid form.
Rain began to drop from the clouds.
Droplet
A very small drop of liquid.
Droplets of water covered the spider's web.
Drop
A small, rounded shape of a liquid.
A drop of water hung at the tip of the leaf.
Droplet
Small amount of liquid dispersed in the air.
Droplets containing the virus can remain airborne for hours.
Drop
A small quantity of a liquid.
He added a drop of vanilla to the recipe.
Droplet
Small, round particle of condensed vapor.
Morning dew formed droplets on the grass.
Drop
Something that falls vertically.
The drop from the top of the waterfall is dramatic.
Droplet
Tiny liquid particle in a spray.
He could feel the cool mist and its fine droplets on his face.
Drop
A sudden fall in amount or level.
There was a significant drop in temperature overnight.
Droplet
Minute quantity found in medical applications.
Each droplet of the vaccine is crucial.
Drop
Let or make (something) fall vertically
The fire was caused by someone dropping a lighted cigarette
They dropped bombs on Caen during the raid
Droplet
A tiny drop.
Drop
Fall vertically
The spoon dropped with a clatter from her hand
Droplet
A very small drop.
Drop
Make or become lower, weaker, or less
Pre-tax profits dropped by 37 per cent
Tourism has dropped off in the last few years
He dropped his voice as she came into the room
Droplet
A little drop; a tear.
Drop
Abandon or discontinue (a course of action or study)
The charges against him were dropped last year
Droplet
A tiny drop
Drop
Set down or unload (a passenger or goods), especially on the way to somewhere else
His mum dropped him outside and drove off to work
He dropped the load off at a dealer's
Drop
(in sport) fail to win (a point or a match)
The club have yet to drop a point in the Second Division
Drop
Force or be forced to play (a relatively high card) as a loser under an opponent's higher card, because it is the only card in its suit held in the hand
East drops the 10 on the second round
Drop
A small round or pear-shaped portion of liquid that hangs or falls or adheres to a surface
The first drops of rain splashed on the ground
Drop
An instance of falling or dropping
They left within five minutes of the drop of the curtain
Drop
A delivery
I got to the depot and made the drop
Drop
A small, round sweet or lozenge
A chocolate drop
Drop
An earring that hangs down from the earlobe
Simple amethyst and diamond drops
Drop
A section of theatrical scenery lowered from the flies; a drop cloth or drop curtain.
Drop
A trapdoor on a gallows, the opening of which causes the prisoner to fall and thus be hanged
Warders, standing on planks, invariably flanked the prisoners on the drop
Drop
A small amount of a liquid, drawn into a roughly spherical mass by surface tension.
Drop
The quantity of liquid contained in such a mass, especially when measured out by a dropper.
Drop
Drops Liquid medicine administered in drops.
Drop
A small quantity of a liquid
There isn't a drop of milk left.
Drop
(Informal) An alcoholic drink
A man known to have a drop now and then.
Drop
A trace or hint
Not a drop of pity.
Drop
Something, such as an earring, shaped or hanging like a drop.
Drop
A small globular piece of hard candy.
Drop
The act of falling; descent
The drop of the curtain.
The sun's drop toward the horizon.
Drop
A swift decline or decrease, as in quality, quantity, or intensity
A drop in sales.
Drop
The vertical distance from a higher to a lower level
The cliff has a drop of 50 feet.
Drop
The distance through which something falls or drops.
Drop
A sheer incline, such as the face of a cliff
Stay clear of the drop.
Drop
A descent or delivery of something by parachute
Made a drop of supplies to the explorers.
Drop
Personnel and equipment landed by means of parachute.
Drop
Something, such as a trapdoor on a gallows, that is arranged to fall or be lowered.
Drop
A drop curtain.
Drop
A slot through which something is deposited in a receptacle.
Drop
A central place or establishment where something, such as mail, is brought and subsequently distributed.
Drop
A predetermined location for the deposit and subsequent removal of secret communications or illicit goods, such as drugs.
Drop
The act of depositing such communications or materials.
Drop
(Electronics) A connection made available for an input or output unit on a transmission line.
Drop
To fall in drops
Rain dropping from an umbrella.
Drop
To fall from a higher to a lower place or position
The plate dropped onto the floor.
Drop
To become less, as in number, intensity, or volume
The temperature dropped below 0.
Drop
To move or descend from one height or level to another
He dropped into a crouch. The sun dropped below the horizon.
Drop
To fall or sink into a state of exhaustion or death.
Drop
To pass or slip into a specified state or condition
Dropped into a doze.
Drop out of sight.
Drop
(Sports) To fall or roll into a basket or hole. Used of a ball.
Drop
To let fall by releasing hold of
I dropped the towel onto the floor.
Drop
To let fall in drops
Drop the medicine into the ear.
Drop
To cause to become less; reduce
Drop the rate of production.
Drop
To cause to fall, as by hitting or shooting
Dropped him with a left hook.
Drop
(Sports) To hurl or strike (a ball) into a basket or hole.
Drop
To give birth to. Used of animals.
Drop
To say or offer casually
Drop a hint.
Drop a name.
Drop
To write at one's leisure
Drop me a note.
Drop
To cease consideration or treatment of
Dropped the matter altogether.
Drop
To terminate an association or a relationship with
An actor who was dropped by the talent agency.
Drop
To leave unfinished
Drop everything and help.
Drop
To leave out (a letter, for example) in speaking or writing.
Drop
To leave or set down at a particular place; unload
I dropped the book in your office.
Drop
(Informal) To spend, especially lavishly or rashly
"dropping $50,000 in an Atlantic City casino" (George F. Will).
Drop
To airdrop (supplies, for example).
Drop
To lower the level of (the voice).
Drop
To lose (a game or contest, for example).
Drop
(Slang) To take, as a drug, by mouth
Drop acid.
Drop
A small quantity of liquid, just large enough to hold its own round shape through surface tension, especially one that falls from a source of liquid.
Put three drops of oil into the mixture.
Drop
(pharmacology) A dose of liquid medicine in the form of a drop (sense 1).
Drop
A liquid medicine that is intended to be administered in drops (sense 1).
Ear drops
Eye drops
Drop
(figuratively) A very small quantity of liquid, or (by extension) of anything.
My aunt asked for just a drop more tea.
He was thirsty but there wasn’t a drop of water to be found
They didn’t show a drop of remorse
Drop
A small amount of an alcoholic beverage.
He usually enjoys a drop after dinner.
She won’t touch a drop while she’s on duty.
Drop
Usually preceded by the: alcoholic spirits in general.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, anyone who enjoys the drop is a friend of mine.
Drop
A single measure of whisky.
Drop
That which hangs or resembles a liquid globule, such as a hanging diamond earring or ornament, a glass pendant on a chandelier, etc.
Drop
Often preceded by a defining word: a small, round piece of hard candy, such as a lemon drop; a lozenge.
Drop
(architecture) An ornament resembling a pendant; a gutta.
Drop
A thing which drops or hangs down.
Drop
The cover mounted on a swivel over a keyhole that rests over the keyhole when not in use to keep out debris, but is swiveled out of the way before inserting the key.
Drop
(agriculture) A fruit which has fallen off a tree, etc., or has been knocked off accidentally, rather than picked.
Drop
(American football) A dropped pass.
Yet another drop for the Tiger tight end.
Drop
(law enforcement) A platform]] on a gallows; a gallows itself.
Drop
An item made available for the player to pick up from the remains of a defeated enemy.
Drop
(technology)
Drop
(theater) A curtain which falls in front of a theatrical stage; also, a section of (cloth) scenery lowered on to the stage like a curtain.
Drop
An act or instance of dropping (in all senses).
Drop
An act of moving downwards under the force of gravity; a descent, a fall.
That was a long drop, but fortunately I didn’t break any bones.
Drop
An instance of making a delivery of people, supplies, or things, especially by parachute out of an aircraft (an airdrop), but also by truck, etc.
The delivery driver has to make three more drops before lunch.
The spy made the drop, leaving the plans under the tree as arranged.
Drop
A release (of music, a video game, etc).
Drop
(gambling) The amount of money that a gambler exchanges for chips in a casino.
Drop
Preceded by the: execution by hanging.
Drop
(sports)
Drop
An unsolicited credit card issue.
Drop
A decline in degree, quality, quantity, or rate.
The drop in demand for oil resulted in a drop in prices.
Drop
(sewing)
Drop
The distance through which something drops, or falls below a certain level.
Drop
The distance below a cliff or other high position through which someone or something could fall; hence, a steep slope.
On one side of the road was a 50-foot drop.
Drop
The vertical length of a hanging curtain.
Drop
(engineering) The distance of the axis of a shaft below the base of a hanger.
Drop
(law enforcement) The distance that a person drops when being executed by hanging.
Drop
(nautical) The depth of a (square) sail (generally applied to the courses only); the vertical dimension of a sail.
Drop
A place where items or supplies may be left for others to collect, whether openly (as with a mail drop), or secretly or illegally (as in crime or espionage); a drop-off point.
I left the plans at the drop, like you asked.
Drop
(informal) nodot=1 An advantage.
Drop
(music) A point in a song, usually electronic music such as dubstep, house, trace, or trap, where there is a very noticeable and pleasing change in bass, tempo, and/or overall tone; a climax, a highlight.
Drop
(intransitive) Of a liquid: to fall in drops or droplets.
Drop
To fall (straight down) under the influence of gravity, like a drop of liquid.
A single shot was fired and the bird dropped from the sky.
Drop
(intransitive) To fall or sink quickly or suddenly to the ground.
Drop and give me thirty push-ups, private!
If your clothes are on fire, stop, drop and roll.
Drop
(intransitive) To collapse in exhaustion or injury; also, to fall dead, or to fall in death.
Drop
(intransitive) To fall into a particular condition or state.
Drop
(intransitive) To come to an end (by not being kept up); to lapse, to stop.
Drop
(intransitive) To decrease, diminish, or lessen in condition, degree, value, etc.
The stock dropped 1.5% yesterday.
We can take our vacation when the price of fuel drops.
Watch for the temperature to drop sharply, then you’ll know the reaction is complete.
Drop
(intransitive) Of a song or sound: to lower in key, pitch, tempo, or other quality.
My synthesizer makes the notes sound funny when they drop below C2.
The song, 180 beats per minute, drops to 150 BPM near the end.
Drop
(intransitive) Of a voice: to lower in timbre, often due to puberty.
Billy’s voice dropped suddenly when he turned 12.
Drop
(intransitive) To fall behind or to the rear of a group of people, etc., as a result of not keeping up with those at the front.
Drop
(intransitive) Usually followed by by, in, or into: of a person: to visit someone or somewhere informally or without a prior appointment.
Do drop by soon and I’ll lend you that book.
We’ll drop in on her tomorrow.
Drop
Of a programme, software, a music album or song, etc.: to enter public distribution.
The album Hip-Hop Xmas dropped in time for the holidays.
Drop
To drop out of the betting.
Drop
Of the testicles: to hang further away from the body and begin producing sperm due to puberty.
Drop
To let drops fall; to discharge itself in drops.
Drop
(transitive) To drip (a liquid) in drops or small amounts.
Drop
To let (something) fall; to allow (something) to fall (either by releasing hold of, or losing one's grip on).
Don’t drop that plate!
The police ordered the men to drop their weapons.
Drop
(transitive) To move to a lower position; to allow to hang downwards; to lower.
Drop
To quickly lower or take down (one's trousers), especially in public.
Drop
(cooking) To cook (food, especially fast food), particularly by lowering into hot oil to deep-fry, or by grilling.
Drop a basket of fries.
Drop
(transitive) To reduce; to make smaller.
2011, Alexander Mamishev, Sean Williams, Technical Writing for Teams: The STREAM Tools Handbook (page 64)
Drop
(transitive) Of an animal (usually a sheep): to give birth to (young); of a bird: to lay (an egg).
To drop a lamb
Drop
(transitive) To mention (something) casually or incidentally, usually in conversation.
The lecturer would drop hints whenever the students struggled.
Name drop
Drop
(transitive) To let (a letter, etc.) fall into a postbox; hence, to send (a letter, email, or other message) in an offhand manner.
As she had a free moment, she dropped her a text.
Drop me a note when you get to the city.
Drop
(transitive) To make (someone or something) fall to the ground from a blow, gunshot, etc.; to bring down, to shoot down.
Make any sudden movements and I will drop you!
Drop
(transitive) To set down (someone or something) from a vehicle; to stop and deliver or deposit (someone or something); to drop off.
Could you drop me at the airport on your way to work tomorrow?
I’ll be dropping the parcel at your place later.
Drop
(transitive) To lower (a sound, a voice, etc.) in pitch or volume.
Drop
To tune (a guitar string, etc.) to a lower note.
Drop
(transitive) To cease concerning oneself over (someone or something); to have nothing more to do with (a discussion, subject, etc.).
I’m tired of this subject. Will you just drop it?
Drop
(transitive) To dispose or get rid of (something); to lose, to remove.
I dropped ten pounds and an obnoxious fiancée.
Drop
(transitive) To cease to include (something), as if on a list; to dismiss, to eject, to expel.
I’ve been dropped from the football team.
Drop
(transitive) To cancel or cease to participate in (a scheduled course, event, or project).
I had to drop calculus because it was taking up too much of my time.
Drop
To lose, spend, or otherwise part with (money).
Drop
To pass or use (counterfeit cheques, money, etc.).
Drop
To impart (something).
I drop knowledge wherever I go.
Drop
Especially in drop acid: to swallow (a drug, particularly LSD).
Drop
To release (a programme, software, a music album or song, etc.) to the public.
They dropped the album Hip-Hop Xmas in time for the holidays.
That hacker has been threatening to drop my docs [i.e. publish my personal information].
Drop
To fail to write, or (especially) to pronounce (a syllable, letter, etc.).
Cockneys drop their aitches.
Drop
To play (a portion of music) in the manner of a disc jockey.
I love it when he drops his funky beats.
That guy can drop the bass like a monster.
Drop
To perform (rap music).
Yo, I drop rhymes like nobody’s business.
Drop
To (unexpectedly) lose (a competition, game, etc.).
Drop
(cricket) Of a fielder: to fail to dismiss (a batsman) by accidentally dropping a batted ball that had initially been caught.
Warne dropped Tendulkar on 99. Tendulkar went on to get a century next ball.
Drop
(rugby) To score (a goal) by means of a drop kick.
Drop
To cover (something) with or as if with drops, especially of a different colour; to bedrop, to variegate.
Drop
To enter a more basic interface.
Drop to a shell
Drop
To present the user with a more basic interface.
You are being dropped to a recovery shell.
Drop
The quantity of fluid which falls in one small spherical mass; a liquid globule; a minim; hence, also, the smallest easily measured portion of a fluid; a small quantity; as, a drop of water.
With minute drops from off the eaves.
As dear to me as are the ruddy dropsThat visit my sad heart.
That drop of peace divine.
Drop
That which resembles, or that which hangs like, a liquid drop; as a hanging diamond ornament, an earring, a glass pendant on a chandelier, a sugarplum (sometimes medicated), or a kind of shot or slug.
Drop
Same as Gutta.
Drop
Whatever is arranged to drop, hang, or fall from an elevated position; also, a contrivance for lowering something
Drop
Any medicine the dose of which is measured by drops; as, lavender drops.
Drop
The depth of a square sail; - generally applied to the courses only.
Drop
Act of dropping; sudden fall or descent.
Drop
To pour or let fall in drops; to pour in small globules; to distill.
The recording angel, as he wrote it down, dropped a tear upon the word and blotted it out forever.
Drop
To cause to fall in one portion, or by one motion, like a drop; to let fall; as, to drop a line in fishing; to drop a courtesy.
Drop
To let go; to dismiss; to set aside; to have done with; to discontinue; to forsake; to give up; to omit.
They suddenly drop't the pursuit.
That astonishing ease with which fine ladies drop you and pick you up again.
The connection had been dropped many years.
Dropping the too rough H in Hell and Heaven.
Drop
To bestow or communicate by a suggestion; to let fall in an indirect, cautious, or gentle manner; as, to drop hint, a word of counsel, etc.
Drop
To lower, as a curtain, or the muzzle of a gun, etc.
Drop
To send, as a letter; as, please drop me a line, a letter, word.
Drop
To give birth to; as, to drop a lamb.
Drop
To cover with drops; to variegate; to bedrop.
Show to the sun their waved coats dropped with gold.
Drop
To fall in drops.
The kindly dew drops from the higher tree,And wets the little plants that lowly dwell.
Drop
To fall, in general, literally or figuratively; as, ripe fruit drops from a tree; wise words drop from the lips.
Mutilations of which the meaning has dropped out of memory.
When the sound of dropping nuts is heard.
Drop
To let drops fall; to discharge itself in drops.
The heavens . . . dropped at the presence of God.
Drop
To fall dead, or to fall in death; as, dropping like flies.
Nothing, says Seneca, so soon reconciles us to the thoughts of our own death, as the prospect of one friend after another dropping round us.
Drop
To come to an end; to cease; to pass out of mind; as, the affair dropped.
Drop
To come unexpectedly; - with in or into; as, my old friend dropped in a moment.
Takes care to drop in when he thinks you are just seated.
Drop
To fall or be depressed; to lower; as, the point of the spear dropped a little.
Drop
To fall short of a mark.
Often it drops or overshoots by the disproportion of distance.
Drop
To be deep in extent; to descend perpendicularly; as, her main topsail drops seventeen yards.
Drop
A small quantity (especially of a liquid);
One drop of each sample was analyzed
Any child with a drop of negro blood was legally a negro
There is not a drop of pity in that man
Drop
A shape that is small and round;
He studied the shapes of low-viscosity drops
Beads of sweat on his forehead
Drop
A sudden sharp decrease in some quantity;
A drop of 57 points on the Dow Jones index
There was a drop in pressure in the pulmonary artery
A dip in prices
When that became known the price of their stock went into free fall
Drop
A steep high face of rock;
He stood on a high cliff overlooking the town
A steep drop
Drop
A predetermined hiding place for the deposit and distribution of illicit goods (such as drugs or stolen property)
Drop
A free and rapid descent by the force of gravity;
It was a miracle that he survived the drop from that height
Drop
A curtain that can be lowered and raised onto a stage from the flies; often used as background scenery
Drop
A central depository where things can be left or picked up
Drop
The act of dropping something;
They expected the drop would be successful
Drop
Let fall to the ground;
Don't drop the dishes
Drop
To fall vertically;
The bombs are dropping on enemy targets
Drop
Go down in value;
Stock prices dropped
Drop
Fall or drop to a lower place or level;
He sank to his knees
Drop
Terminate an association with;
Drop him from the Republican ticket
Drop
Utter casually;
Drop a hint
Drop
Stop pursuing or acting;
Drop a lawsuit
Knock it off!
Drop
Leave or unload, especially of passengers or cargo;
Drop
Cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow;
Strike down a tree
Lightning struck down the hikers
Drop
Lose (a game);
The Giants dropped 11 of their first 13
Drop
Pay out;
Spend money
Drop
Lower the pitch of (musical notes)
Drop
Hang freely;
The ornaments dangled from the tree
The light dropped from the ceiling
Drop
Stop associating with;
They dropped her after she had a child out of wedlock
Drop
Let or cause to fall in drops;
Dribble oil into the mixture
Drop
Get rid of;
He shed his image as a pushy boss
Shed your clothes
Drop
Leave undone or leave out;
How could I miss that typo?
The workers on the conveyor belt miss one out of ten
Drop
Change from one level to another;
She dropped into army jargon
Drop
Grow worse;
Her condition deteriorated
Conditions in the slums degenerated
The discussion devolved into a shouting match
Drop
Give birth; used for animals;
The cow dropped her calf this morning
Common Curiosities
What is a drop?
A drop is a small volume of liquid, either falling or suspended, shaped by surface tension.
How are drops and droplets different in size?
Drops vary in size and can be quite visible, while droplets are much smaller and may need magnification.
What contexts are droplets associated with?
Droplets are typically associated with mists, aerosols, and fine sprays.
Can the terms "drop" and "droplet" be used interchangeably?
While related, they are not interchangeable; "droplet" specifies a smaller size and different contexts like sprays.
What is a droplet?
A droplet is a very small drop, often so minute it is used to describe particles in mists or sprays.
What contexts are drops associated with?
Drops are associated with rain, leaks, medicine, and more.
What environmental roles do droplets play?
Droplets are essential in processes like cloud formation and in the transmission of airborne diseases.
How does the visibility of drops and droplets differ?
Drops are clearly visible to the naked eye, whereas droplets often require special equipment to be seen clearly.
What environmental roles do drops play?
Drops are crucial in water cycles and can impact weather patterns.
Why is the distinction between drops and droplets important in science?
It's important for accuracy in discussing quantities and scales, especially in fields like meteorology and medicine.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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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.
