flash flood

noun

: a local flood of short duration generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity
flash flood verb

Examples of flash flood 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.
The park said more flash floods and hazardous conditions were possible over the next two days, amid potential thunderstorms and downpours. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 As rescue efforts in communities buried by catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal-China border entered their fourth day Saturday, authorities were still finding survivors and transporting them to safety. — Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026 Minister calls for action on climate change Wednesday’s flash floods started after a glacial collapse high in the Himalayan region. — Victoria Milko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Residents living along Trishuli River in Bidir, Nuwakot, Nepal, take shelter at higher ground Sunday after having fled their homes as authorities issue new flash flood warning. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flash flood

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash flood was in 1940

Rhymes for flash flood

See All Rhymes for flash flood

Browse Nearby Words

flash factor
flash flood
flash-forward
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Cite this Entry

“Flash flood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20flood. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flash flood

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flash flood

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