graupel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Meteorological
Quick answer
What does “graupel” mean?
Precipitation consisting of soft, small, white ice pellets, formed when supercooled water droplets freeze onto a snow crystal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Precipitation consisting of soft, small, white ice pellets, formed when supercooled water droplets freeze onto a snow crystal.
A type of frozen precipitation distinct from hail, sleet, or snow, often described as soft hail or snow pellets. It is typically spherical or conical, opaque, and bounces or crushes on impact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both meteorological communities. In non-technical British English, 'soft hail' may be more common, while Americans might also say 'snow pellets'.
Connotations
Purely technical/descriptive in both varieties. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday conversation. Used almost exclusively by meteorologists, weather enthusiasts, skiers, and mountaineers.
Grammar
How to Use “graupel” in a Sentence
[The] graupel [verb: fell, accumulated, mixed with snow]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graupel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The precipitation began to graupel, covering the path in white pellets.
American English
- It's graupeling right now—tiny white balls are bouncing off the windshield.
adjective
British English
- They observed a graupel shower during the ascent.
American English
- The graupel accumulation made the road slippery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in meteorology, atmospheric science, and physical geography papers.
Everyday
Rare; may be used in detailed weather reports or by outdoor enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard, precise term in meteorological forecasts, aviation weather reports, and scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “graupel”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “graupel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graupel”
- Confusing it with sleet (rain/snow mix) or hail. Using 'graupel' as a verb. Mispronouncing as /ɡrɔːpel/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sleet (US) is rain that freezes into ice pellets before hitting the ground. Graupel starts as a snowflake and collects supercooled water, forming a soft, opaque pellet.
Typically not, as it is soft and small. It is less damaging than hard, large hail.
In mountainous regions and during spring or autumn storms where temperatures are near freezing aloft.
It indicates specific atmospheric conditions (riming, cloud temperature profiles) and affects precipitation type, accumulation, and avalanche risk assessment.
Precipitation consisting of soft, small, white ice pellets, formed when supercooled water droplets freeze onto a snow crystal.
Graupel is usually technical / meteorological in register.
Graupel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊp(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡraʊp(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GRAUPEL' sounds like 'GROUPELLETS' – groups of small, soft pellets falling from the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKY'S COTTON BALLS / FROZEN DIMMING (as it rimes and obscures the snowflake nucleus).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of graupel?