rainmaker

noun

rain·​mak·​er ˈrān-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce rainmaker (audio)
1
: a person who produces or attempts to produce rain by artificial means
2
: a person (such as a partner in a law firm) who brings in new business
also : a person whose influence can initiate progress or ensure success
rainmaking noun

Examples of rainmaker 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.
By Sunday, clouds will begin to stream in ahead of our next rainmaker early next week. Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026 These firms now pay their rainmakers like Wall Street stars and have dropped their courtly scruples for relentless commercialism. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 5 Feb. 2026 The firm had been the inspiration that led him to a career in venture capital, and John Doerr, the legendary Kleiner rainmaker who made early bets on Google, Amazon, and Netscape, had been his role model. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 The storm will primarily be a rainmaker, though some snow is possible along its northern edges. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rainmaker

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainmaker was in 1775

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rainmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainmaker. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

rainmaker

noun
rain·​mak·​er ˈrān-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce rainmaker (audio)
: a person (as a partner in a law firm) who brings in new business
rainmaking noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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