What is the difference between spray and mist?

Mist is lighter and finer. Spray can be stronger and less even.

Can spray be a noun and a verb?

Yes. A spray is the liquid drops, and to spray means to send them out.

Is spray common in business or academic writing?

Yes, especially in science, farming, cleaning, and product descriptions.

← Dictionary

spray

/spreɪ/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A small cloud of tiny liquid drops sent into the air. It can also mean the liquid container that releases drops this way.

The sea sent spray over the rocks.
She used hair spray before the meeting.

verb

To send liquid out in very small drops over a surface or into the air.

Please spray the plants every morning.
He sprayed paint on the wall.

Adinary Nuance

Spray is broader than words like "mist" or "splash." Use "mist" for a very light cloud, and "splash" for a sudden hit of liquid. "Spray" works for both the drops themselves and the action of sending them out.

In other languages

Vietnamese: xịt
Spanish: rociar
Chinese: 喷雾
Japanese: スプレー
Korean: 분사

Etymology

Spray came into English from Middle Dutch and related Germanic forms in the 1500s. It first meant scattering or fine branches, then later tiny drops of liquid.

Common phrases

spray paintspray bottlesea sprayspray bottle

Synonyms

squirt spatter mist

Related words

aerosol sprinkler foam drop

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between spray and mist?: Mist is lighter and finer. Spray can be stronger and less even.
Can spray be a noun and a verb?: Yes. A spray is the liquid drops, and to spray means to send them out.
Is spray common in business or academic writing?: Yes, especially in science, farming, cleaning, and product descriptions.