stormwater
noun
storm·wa·ter
ˈstȯrm-ˌwȯ-tər 
-ˌwä-
: rainwater produced by a storm
a stormwater management system
As stormwater runs over lawns, streets and other man-made surfaces, it picks up pollutants—phosphorous and nitrogen from fertilizers, bacteria from pet waste and road salt, to name a few—and carries them into local streams and lakes.—
Delen Goldberg
Delen GoldbergThis rainfall "of biblical proportions," as the local newspaper described it, swamped the city in waist-high stormwater.—Christopher Cooper and Robert Block
Christopher Cooper and Robert BlockExamples of stormwater in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These features add vegetation, absorb stormwater and reduce heat, while also making urban areas easier for wildlife to navigate.
—Eve Bohnett, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
The city of Leawood is looking to repair pipes and stormwater systems in an area that’s been plagued with flooding and water drainage issues during heavy rainstorms.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
The massive 25th Street stormwater improvement project is on time and on budget, as are all other public works projects.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Diesel had somehow found himself INSIDE a small stormwater drain and [was] unable to get himself out.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stormwater
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.
Eve Bohnett, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
The city of Leawood is looking to repair pipes and stormwater systems in an area that’s been plagued with flooding and water drainage issues during heavy rainstorms.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
The massive 25th Street stormwater improvement project is on time and on budget, as are all other public works projects.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Diesel had somehow found himself INSIDE a small stormwater drain and [was] unable to get himself out.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stormwater
Cite this Entry
“Stormwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stormwater. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
