precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsi-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
Synonyms of precipitation
1
: the quality or state of being precipitate : hastiness
2
: an act, process, or instance of precipitating
especially : the process of forming a precipitate
3
: something precipitated: such as
a
: a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow
also : the quantity of water deposited
b
: precipitate sense 1

Synonyms of precipitation

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Examples of precipitation in a Sentence

The weather forecast calls for some sort of frozen precipitation tomorrow—either snow or sleet. a 50 percent chance of precipitation Minerals are separated from the seawater by precipitation.
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.
There is a slight chance of storms on Sunday afternoon, with a 15% to 25% chance of precipitation, but some forecasts call for dry conditions. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 The Weather Channel predicts below-average precipitation for Pittsburgh this September. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Extreme precipitation is increasingly falling on mountains as rain not snow, increasing the risks of landslides and soil erosion. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Any lingering precipitation should taper off by evening as skies gradually clear and temperatures fall into the mid-60s overnight. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precipitation

Word History

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precipitation was in 1502

Phrases Containing precipitation

Rhymes for precipitation

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Browse Nearby Words

precipitateness
precipitation
precipitation hardening
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precipitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precipitation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: unwise haste
2
: the process of precipitating or of forming a precipitate
3
: water or the amount of water that falls to the earth as hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow

Medical Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
a
: the process of forming a precipitate from a solution
b
: the process of precipitating or removing solid or liquid particles from a smoke or gas by electrical means
2
: precipitate

More from Merriam-Webster on precipitation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about precipitation

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