1
: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches
2
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
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2026
The almanac also predicts a tropical storm in late May to join the above-normal rainfall.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 31 Jan. 2026
Dry air is expected, keeping skies sunny with no chance of any rainfall.
—Anthony Franze, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Jan. 2026
Despite the lack of snow, California has ample water this year, with good rainfall and major reservoirs at 124% of their average levels after three years that brought average or above-average snow.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rainfall
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2026
The almanac also predicts a tropical storm in late May to join the above-normal rainfall.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 31 Jan. 2026
Dry air is expected, keeping skies sunny with no chance of any rainfall.
—Anthony Franze, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Jan. 2026
Despite the lack of snow, California has ample water this year, with good rainfall and major reservoirs at 124% of their average levels after three years that brought average or above-average snow.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rainfall
Cite this Entry
“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rainfall
noun
rain·fall
-ˌfȯl 
1
: a fall of rain
2
: amount of precipitation
an annual rainfall of 20 inches
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