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
Some storms could produce damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning, and brief but heavy rainfall.
—
Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
In fact, the Weather Prediction Center has issued an excessive rainfall outlook to indicate the higher flooding potential.
—Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
There is an increase in rainfall forecast for Sunday into Monday, but that’s not likely to provide much drought relief.
—Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rainfall
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Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
In fact, the Weather Prediction Center has issued an excessive rainfall outlook to indicate the higher flooding potential.
—Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
There is an increase in rainfall forecast for Sunday into Monday, but that’s not likely to provide much drought relief.
—Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 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 15 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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