rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
Synonyms of rainfallnext
1
: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches
2
: rain sense 2a

Synonyms of rainfall

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Examples of rainfall in a Sentence

This area has an average annual rainfall of 12 inches. an increase in annual rainfall
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.
Hawaii Winter will be cooler than normal, while rainfall will be above normal with the stormiest periods in mid-December and mid-January. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Heavy rain from the remnants of Dolly could affect the Leeward Islands late Saturday into Sunday, with rainfall moving into the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola Sunday and Monday. — Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Below-normal rainfall could continue until next year The capital of San Juan recorded its driest month on record in more than 120 years in July, said Emanuel Rodriguez, a hydrologist at National Weather Service in San Juan. — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Heavy rainfall rates may also lead to flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas. — Justin Lewis, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rainfall

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainfall was in 1817

Rhymes for rainfall

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Browse Nearby Words

rainette green
rainfall
rainforest
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Cite this Entry

“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rainfall

noun
rain·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
1
: a fall of rain
2
: amount of precipitation
an annual rainfall of 20 inches

More from Merriam-Webster on rainfall

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rainfall

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