rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
Synonyms of rainfallnext
1
: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches
2
: rain sense 2a

Synonyms of rainfall

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Examples of rainfall in a Sentence

This area has an average annual rainfall of 12 inches. an increase in annual rainfall
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.
While severe storms aren't likely at the moment, some heavy rainfall and a few small storms are expected. — Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 The timing of the snow and ice melt, plus rainfalls, determines whether a plot of thawing permafrost is waterlogged — and whether carbon isn’t just turned into CO2, but also methane, a greenhouse gas four times as potent. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Pauner said the region endured more than two months without significant rainfall, leaving vegetation exceptionally dry. — Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Earlier this week, the Environment Agency declared that half of England was in drought, due to a combination of weeks of very low rainfall and high temperatures. — Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rainfall

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainfall was in 1817

Rhymes for rainfall

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Browse Nearby Words

rainette green
rainfall
rainforest
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Cite this Entry

“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rainfall

noun
rain·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
1
: a fall of rain
2
: amount of precipitation
an annual rainfall of 20 inches

More from Merriam-Webster on rainfall

Nglish: Translation of rainfall for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rainfall

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