rainstorm

noun

rain·​storm ˈrān-ˌstȯrm How to pronounce rainstorm (audio)
Synonyms of rainstormnext
: a storm of or with rain

Examples of rainstorm in a Sentence

we ran into a big rainstorm on Highway 6, and the visibility was so poor we had to pull over
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.
Three days later, a cold front from the northwest pushed a terrific rainstorm with high winds through the area. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026 They get caught in a rainstorm on their way back to London and stop at his cottage until the storm passes. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 One customer, an 82-year-old retired carpenter, told CBS News New York several months after Radiant Solar installed solar panels on his roof, his ceiling collapsed following an intense rainstorm. Katie Houlis, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 On a gray November Sunday, a handful of female customers braved a rainstorm to browse the racks at Detoure, which were well-stocked with clothes from Abercrombie & Fitch, Princess Polly and Revolve. Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rainstorm

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainstorm was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

rainstorm

noun
rain·​storm -ˌstȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce rainstorm (audio)
: a storm of or with rain

More from Merriam-Webster on rainstorm

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