downpour

noun

down·​pour ˈdau̇n-ˌpȯr How to pronounce downpour (audio)
: a pouring or streaming downward
especially : a heavy rain

Examples of downpour in a Sentence

the downpour was so heavy that we were soaked by the time we got to the car
Recent Examples on the Web In Tennessee, strong downpours and thunderstorms could bring damaging wind gusts Saturday, as well as overnight flash flooding. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2024 Hagerty Celebrating its 29th year, the annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, now known simply as the Amelia, shrugged off a few downpours to once again celebrate automotive art spanning numerous eras. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024 But getting Angelenos to venture out in a downpour is just one way that Frieze, which draws some 35,000 visitors annually to its colorful contemporary exhibitions, has transformed the city’s art scene. Alison Brower, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Hundreds gathered in the heavy downpour, seemingly unbothered by the rain. Talia Jane, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 That may continue to be the case, although the whole area runs the chance of a quick downpour into this evening. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 And that only happened because the Daytona 500 was postponed to Monday due to a torrential downpour at Daytona on Sunday. Joseph Wolkin, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 While most of the rain is light, a few heavier downpours and even a rumble of thunder can’t be ruled out. Matt Rogers, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 Currently, climate change is primarily amplifying familiar preexisting patterns and risks, such as worsening wildfires in California, or more extreme downpours and floods. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'downpour.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downpour was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near downpour

Cite this Entry

“Downpour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downpour. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

downpour

noun
down·​pour -ˌpōr How to pronounce downpour (audio)
-ˌpȯr
: a heavy rain

More from Merriam-Webster on downpour

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