rain shadow

noun

: a region of reduced rainfall on the lee side of high mountains

Examples of rain shadow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is due to the Chilean Andes mountain range, which creates a rain shadow over the area. — Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 23 July 2025 Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the nearby ranges, making its landscape a medley of mountain and desert. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026 As a result, San Jose is in a rain shadow and typically sheltered from major rainfall. — Jack Lee, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 Feb. 2025 Despite the partial rain shadow caused by the Limbara massif to the northeast, this land still receives frequent rains (which pummeled us during our visit), and the highlands are greener than lands below. — Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rain shadow

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rain shadow was in 1896

Rhymes for rain shadow

See All Rhymes for rain shadow

Browse Nearby Words

rain rot
rain shadow
rainspout
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rain shadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rain%20shadow. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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