Raindrops: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'raindrops' when you want to refer to individual drops of rain falling from the sky. It emphasizes the small, separate drops of water.

• Raindrops pattered softly against the window.
• He watched the raindrops merge into streams on the windshield.

Use 'rain' for general reference to water falling from the sky, whether light or heavy. It is a common, everyday term.

• It looks like it's going to rain later.
• They got caught in the rain without an umbrella.

Use 'precipitation' in scientific or formal contexts to refer to any form of water, liquid or solid, falling from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

• The weather forecast predicts high precipitation levels for the coming week.
• Measuring the amount of precipitation is crucial for hydrological studies.

Use 'drizzle' when describing light rain, especially when the rain is steady and fine rather than heavy.

• A light drizzle began to fall as they walked home.
• The drizzle made everything look damp and misty.