Rain vs. Drizzle — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
Rain consists of larger, more pronounced water droplets, while drizzle is made up of smaller, finer droplets.
Difference Between Rain and Drizzle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rain and drizzle are both forms of liquid precipitation that fall from the sky, but they have distinct differences. Rain typically has larger droplets, ranging from 0.5mm to several millimeters in diameter. In contrast, drizzle consists of much smaller droplets, generally less than 0.5mm.
When observing rain and drizzle, one can often note the intensity. Rain can range from light to heavy, often making a pronounced sound as it hits the ground or other surfaces. Drizzle, on the other hand, is usually light, sometimes barely noticeable, and doesn’t produce the same sound as heavier raindrops.
Another distinguishing factor between rain and drizzle is visibility. Heavy rain can reduce visibility considerably when driving or walking outside. Drizzle, due to its finer droplets, tends to create a misty environment, which can also impair visibility, but in a hazier, more diffused manner.
From a meteorological perspective, rain and drizzle have different origins. Rain usually forms in taller clouds with stronger updrafts, allowing droplets to combine and grow. Drizzle typically comes from stratus clouds.
Comparison Chart
Droplet Size
Larger droplets (0.5mm to several millimeters)
Smaller droplets (less than 0.5mm)
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Intensity
Can range from light to heavy
Usually light
Effect on Visibility
Can considerably reduce visibility
Creates a misty environment
Sound
Pronounced sound on impact
Quieter, less noticeable sound
Originating Cloud Type
Forms in taller clouds with stronger updrafts
Typically comes from stratus clouds
Compare with Definitions
Rain
Atmospheric moisture that descends as water droplets.
The rain created puddles on the street.
Drizzle
Light rain with very small, fine droplets.
A persistent drizzle made the day feel gloomy.
Rain
Liquid water droplets that fall from the atmosphere.
The sound of rain on the roof was soothing.
Drizzle
A misty rainfall with droplets less than 0.5mm.
The drizzle added a layer of moisture to the leaves.
Rain
Water falling to earth due to cloud condensation.
We need rain to nourish the crops.
Drizzle
A gentle and fine rain-like condition.
She walked in the drizzle, feeling the mist on her face.
Rain
A weather condition characterized by falling water.
The rain made the outdoor event impossible.
Drizzle
Small-scale precipitation with light droplets.
A soft drizzle began, misting the window panes.
Rain
Rain is liquid water in the form of droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then become heavy enough to fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth.
Drizzle
Drizzle is a light liquid precipitation consisting of liquid water drops smaller than those of rain – generally smaller than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) in diameter. Drizzle is normally produced by low stratiform clouds and stratocumulus clouds.
Rain
The condensed moisture of the atmosphere falling visibly in separate drops
It's pouring with rain
The rain had not stopped for days
Drizzle
Light rain falling in very fine drops
Scotland will be cloudy with patchy drizzle
A steady drizzle has been falling since 3 a.m
Rain
Rain falls
It was beginning to rain
Drizzle
(in cooking) a thin stream of a liquid ingredient trickled over food
Raw mushrooms, thinly sliced and served with lemon, a little salt, and a drizzle of olive oil
Rain
Water condensed from atmospheric vapor and falling in drops.
Drizzle
Rain lightly
It's started to drizzle
Rain
A fall of such water; a rainstorm.
Drizzle
(in cooking) trickle a thin stream of (a liquid ingredient) over food
Drizzle the clarified butter over the top
Rain
The descent of such water.
Drizzle
To rain gently in fine, mistlike drops.
Rain
Rainy weather.
Drizzle
To let fall in fine drops or particles
Drizzled melted butter over the asparagus.
Rain
Rains A rainy season.
Drizzle
To moisten with fine drops
Drizzled the asparagus with melted butter.
Rain
A heavy or abundant fall
A rain of fluffy cottonwood seeds.
A rain of insults.
Drizzle
A fine, gentle, misty rain.
Rain
To fall in drops of water from the clouds.
Drizzle
(impersonal) To rain lightly.
We had planned a picnic for Joe's birthday, but it ended up drizzling all day.
Rain
To fall like rain
Praise rained down on the composer.
Drizzle
(ambitransitive) To shed slowly in minute drops or particles.
Rain
To release rain.
Drizzle
To pour slowly and evenly, especially oil or honey in cooking.
The recipe says to toss the salad and then drizzle olive oil on it.
Rain
To send or pour down.
Drizzle
To cover by pouring in this manner.
The recipe says to toss the salad and then drizzle it in olive oil.
Rain
To give abundantly; shower
Rain gifts.
Rain curses upon their heads.
Drizzle
(slang) To urinate. en
Rain
Condensed water falling from a cloud.
We've been having a lot of rain lately.
The rains came late that year.
Drizzle
(dated) To carry out parfilage, the process of unravelling.
Rain
(figuratively) Any matter moving or falling, usually through air, and especially if liquid or otherwise figuratively identifiable with raindrops.
Drizzle
Light rain.
Rain
(figuratively) An instance of particles or larger pieces of matter moving or falling through air.
A rain of mortar fire fell on our trenches.
Drizzle
Very small, numerous, and uniformly dispersed water drops, mist, or sprinkle. Unlike fog droplets, drizzle falls to the ground.
No longer pouring, the rain outside slowed down to a faint drizzle.
Rain
(impersonal) To have rain fall from the sky.
Judging by the black cloud, it will rain later today.
Drizzle
(slang) Water.
Stop drinking all of my drizzle!
Rain
(intransitive) To fall as or like rain.
Tears rained from her eyes.
Leaves rained from the tree.
Bombs rained from the sky.
Drizzle
(baking) A cake onto which icing, honey or syrup has been drizzled in an artistic manner.
Rain
(transitive) To issue (something) in large quantities.
The boxer rained punches on his opponent's head.
Drizzle
To rain slightly in very small drops; to fall, as water from the clouds, slowly and in fine particles; as, it drizzles; drizzling drops or rain.
Rain
Reign.
Drizzle
To shed slowly in minute drops or particles.
Rain
Water falling in drops from the clouds; the descent of water from the clouds in drops.
Rain is water by the heat of the sun divided into very small parts ascending in the air, till, encountering the cold, it be condensed into clouds, and descends in drops.
Fair days have oft contracted wind and rain.
Drizzle
A fine rain or mist.
Rain
To fall in drops from the clouds, as water; - used mostly with it for a nominative; as, it rains.
The rain it raineth every day.
Drizzle
Very light rain; stronger than mist but less than a shower
Rain
To fall or drop like water from the clouds; as, tears rained from their eyes.
Drizzle
Rain lightly;
When it drizzles in summer, hiking can be pleasant
Rain
To pour or shower down from above, like rain from the clouds.
Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.
Drizzle
Moisten with fine drops;
Drizzle the meat with melted butter
Rain
To bestow in a profuse or abundant manner; as, to rain favors upon a person.
Drizzle
Precipitation consisting of tiny water particles.
The drizzle was too light for an umbrella.
Rain
Water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
Rain
Drops of fresh water that fall as precipitation from clouds
Rain
Anything happening rapidly or in quick successive;
A rain of bullets
A pelting of insults
Rain
Precipitate as rain;
If it rains much more, we can expect some flooding
Rain
Precipitation in the form of larger water droplets.
Rain is forecasted for the entire week.
Common Curiosities
Which one is heavier, rain or drizzle?
Rain is generally heavier, while drizzle is light and fine.
How is drizzle different from rain?
Drizzle consists of smaller, finer droplets, usually less than 0.5mm, while rain has larger droplets.
Can both rain and drizzle occur simultaneously?
Yes, it's possible for rain and drizzle to mix during certain weather conditions.
Why does rain make a sound but not drizzle?
Rain consists of larger droplets which produce a noticeable sound upon impact, while drizzle has finer droplets that are quieter.
What type of clouds typically produce rain?
Rain usually originates from taller clouds with stronger updrafts.
Can drizzle freeze?
Yes, when drizzle falls in freezing temperatures, it becomes freezing drizzle, which can coat surfaces with ice.
Is drizzle common in coastal areas?
Yes, drizzle is often common in coastal and marine environments, especially under marine stratus clouds.
How does rain impact visibility compared to drizzle?
Heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility, while drizzle creates a misty, hazier environment.
Are there different types of rain?
Yes, rain can be classified as light, moderate, or heavy based on its intensity.
What is rain?
Rain is liquid water droplets that fall from the atmosphere, typically larger than 0.5mm.
Do rain and drizzle have different effects on driving?
Yes, heavy rain can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, while drizzle can create a misty environment and icy conditions if temperatures are below freezing.
How do meteorologists measure rain?
Rain is often measured using rain gauges, which collect and record the amount of rainfall.
How does rain benefit the environment?
Rain provides essential water for plants, replenishes freshwater sources, and plays a vital role in the water cycle.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
