WordGarden.iodew
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /djˈuː/
US
- /ˈdu/
Meanings
Noun
tiny drops of water that form on cool outdoor surfaces, especially overnight
Verb
to cover or become covered with dew or tiny drops of moisture
Beyond the definition
Dew isn't rain—it's the water that forms on cool surfaces like grass and leaves overnight. Imagine waking up on a summer morning and seeing the world sparkling with tiny, glistening drops. That's dew! It happens when the air near the ground cools enough for water vapor to turn into liquid drops. You may often see dew in fields, gardens, and even on your car windshield. It is a beautiful reminder of nature's quiet work while we sleep.
Sometimes, "dew" is used poetically to describe freshness or youth—like saying someone has "the dew of morning" on their face. It evokes a sense of purity and new beginnings. Picture a story about a magical forest where the leaves are always covered in shimmering dew, holding ancient secrets within each tiny droplet.
Dew is the atmospheric moisture that collects as droplets on cool surfaces during the night or early morning. Unlike rain, which falls from the sky, dew forms on surfaces when the surface cools enough that the air next to it reaches its dew point—the temperature at which vapor condenses into liquid water. This typically happens on clear nights when heat radiates away from the ground, cooling objects like grass blades, leaves, and car roofs.
The formation of dew is a fascinating example of condensation. It is closely related to fog and clouds, as all three involve water vapor changing into liquid form. However, while fog hangs suspended in the air, dew settles directly onto surfaces. Farmers and gardeners sometimes pay attention to dew because its presence or absence can hint at changing conditions; for instance, a lack of dew on a clear night may suggest that drier, windier air is moving in.
Beyond science, "dew" has a rich history in poetry and literature. It is frequently used as a metaphor for freshness, purity, innocence, and the fleeting beauty of life. Many poets use dew to represent the transient nature of existence—something that is exquisite and sparkling in the dawn but vanishes as soon as the sun rises. The phrase "washed in the dew" often suggests a sense of spiritual renewal or cleansing. Whether you are admiring its delicate sparkle on a summer morning or encountering it in a classic verse, dew is more than just water; it is a symbol of nature's subtle beauty and constant change.
Examples
- 1
Morning grass
The grass was still wet with dew when we stepped outside.
- 2
Nature detail
Tiny drops of dew clung to the spider web.
- 3
Garden
The morning dew had dried by the time the sun reached the garden.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- dewnoun