An oversized first letter at the start of a paragraph that drops down into the lines of text below it. It marks the beginning of a chapter or article with a decorative flourish.
Synonyms
- dropped initial
- drop capital
Related terms
- initial
- typography
- small caps
In plain words
- the big fancy first letter of a chapter
- the giant letter that starts a paragraph
Usage example
The magazine opened each feature with an ornate drop cap.
Don't confuse with…
- initialAn initial is any decorative opening letter; a drop cap specifically drops into the lines below.
Categories
- Typography