First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1drop
noun, often attributive \ˈdräp\
: a very small amount of liquid that falls in a rounded shape
: a small amount of a drink
: a small amount of something (such as a quality)
Full Definition of DROP
1
a (1) : the quantity of fluid that falls in one spherical mass (2) plural : a dose of medicine measured by drops <eye drops for dilating the pupil of the eye> b : a minute quantity or degree of something nonmaterial or intangible c : a small quantity of drink d : the smallest practical unit of liquid measure
2
: something that resembles a liquid drop: as a : a pendent ornament attached to a piece of jewelry; also : an earring with such a pendant b : a small globular cookie or candy
3
[2drop] a : the act or an instance of dropping : fall b : a decline in quantity or quality c : a descent by parachute; also : the people or equipment dropped by parachute d : a place or central depository to which something (as mail, money, or stolen property) is brought for distribution or transmission; also : the act of depositing something at such a place <made the drop>
4
a : the distance from a higher to a lower level or through which something drops b : a decrease in electric potential
5
: a slot into which something is to be dropped
6
[2drop] : something that drops, hangs, or falls: as a : a movable plate that covers the keyhole of a lock b : an unframed piece of cloth stage scenery; also : drop curtain c : a hinged platform on a gallows d : a fallen fruit
7
: the advantage of having an opponent covered with a firearm; broadly : advantage, superiority —usually used in the phrase get the drop on
8
: a move back from the line of scrimmage (as in preparation for making a forward pass) <a quick drop>
— at the drop of a hat
: as soon as the slightest provocation is given : immediately
— drop in the bucket
: a part so small as to be negligible
See drop defined for English-language learners
See drop defined for kids
Origin of DROP
Middle English, from Old English dropa; akin to Old High German tropfo drop
Related to DROP
2drop
verb
: to let (something) fall
: to fall
: to lie down or fall down suddenly
droppeddrop·ping
Full Definition of DROP
intransitive verb
1
: to fall in drops
2
a (1) : to fall unexpectedly or suddenly (2) : to descend from one line or level to another b : to fall in a state of collapse or death c of a card : to become played by reason of the obligation to follow suit d of a ball : to fall or roll into a hole or basket
3
: to enter or pass as if without conscious effort of will into some state, condition, or activity <dropped into sleep>
4
5
: to move with a favoring wind or current —usually used with down
transitive verb
1
: to let fall : cause to fall
2
a : give up 2, abandon <drop an idea> <drop the charges> b : discontinue <dropped what she was doing> c : to break off an association or connection with : dismiss <drop a failing student>
3
a : to utter or mention in a casual way <drop a suggestion> <drop names> b : write <drop us a line soon>
4
a : to lower or cause to descend from one level or position to another b : to cause to lessen or decrease : reduce <dropped his speed>
5
of an animal : to give birth to
6
7
a : to bring down with a shot or a blow b : to cause (a high card) to fall c : to toss or roll into a hole or basket <drop a putt>
8
a : to deposit or deliver during a usually brief stop —usually used with off <drop the kids off at school> b : air-drop
9
: to cause (the voice) to be less loud
10
a : to leave (a letter representing a speech sound) unsounded <drop the g in running> b : to leave out in writing : omit
11
: to draw from an external point <drop a perpendicular to the line>
12
: to take (a drug) orally : swallow <drop acid>
— drop·pa·ble \ˈdrä-pə-bəl\ adjective
— drop a dime
: to inform authorities (as police) of another's wrongdoing
— drop behind
: to fail to keep up
— drop the ball
: to make a mistake especially by failing to take timely, effective, or proper action
See drop defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DROP
before 12th century
DROPS Defined for Kids
1drop
noun \ˈdräp\
Definition of DROP for Kids
1
: a small amount of liquid that falls in a rounded shape
2
drops plural : liquid medicine measured by drops <ear drops>
3
: something (as a small round candy) that is shaped like a liquid drop
4
: a small amount <I'll have just a drop of tea.>
5
: the distance of a fall <a 20-foot drop>
6
: a decrease in amount or quality <a drop in sales>
7
: an act of delivering something : a place where something is left to be picked up <a mail drop>
2drop
verb
droppeddrop·ping
Definition of DROP for Kids
1
: to fall or let fall often by accident <I dropped my ice cream cone!>
2
: to go down suddenly <The cliff drops straight down.>
3
: to go or make lower <The temperature dropped.> <He dropped his voice.>
4
: to become less or make less <Business has dropped.>
5
: lose 5
6
: disappear 1 <They dropped out of sight.>
7
: to stop or let end <Let the matter drop.>
8
: quit <Don't drop out of school.>
9
: to make a brief visit <We dropped in on a friend.>
10
: to deliver with a quick stop <Mom dropped us off at school.>
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