rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl 
Synonyms of rainfall
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.
The cumulative rainfall across the canal watershed since May has been 34% below the historical average, the Panama Canal Authority said on Thursday. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 The areas that have had significant rainfall from this month's monsoon storms have seen a slight downtick in the drought levels -- for example, parts of southwest and northwest Colorado have seen many areas drop from extreme to severe. — Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Indianapolis is getting warmer each year and seeing an increase in rainfall. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Torrential rainfall of one half to one and one half inches of rain will also be possible in these thunderstorms, which may produce urban and poor drainage flooding. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rainfall

noun
rain·​fall -ˌfȯl 
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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