Droplet: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：a tiny drop (droplet)

droplet 🔊

/ˈdrɒplɪt/

A very small drop of a liquid, like a tiny water ball.

A macro photo of a single water droplet on a leaf, illustrating the definition of a tiny liquid sphere.

a tiny drop 🔊

➕

/ə ˈtaɪni drɒp/

Refers to a very small, spherical bead of liquid.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'drop' (a small amount of liquid) + diminutive suffix '-let', indicating a small version.

💡 Mnemonic

A 'droplet' is like a little 'drop-let' – a tiny drop that has let itself be seen.

📖 Example

In the early morning, every blade of grass was decorated with sparkling droplets of dew. 🔊 In the early morning, every blade of grass was decorated with sparkling tiny drops of dew.

🔗 Collocations

water droplet – a tiny sphere of water

dew droplet – a small drop of condensed moisture

form droplets – to break into or create small drops

🔄 Synonyms

bead (n.) – A small drop of liquid, often round.

globule (n.) – A small spherical particle, especially of a liquid.

driblet (n.) – A tiny falling drop or a very small quantity.

🚫 Antonyms

torrent (n.) – A strong and fast-moving stream of water.

deluge (n.) – A severe flood or a heavy downpour of rain.

🌱 Derivatives

droplet-like (adj.) – Resembling or having the form of a droplet.

📖 Cultural Story

'Droplet' comes from Middle English, combining 'drop' with the Old French diminutive suffix '-et'. Its scientific usage boomed with microscopy and studies of fluid dynamics, describing everything from rain to aerosol transmission.