rainforest

noun

rain·​for·​est ˈrān-ˌfȯr-əst 

-ˌfär-

variants or less commonly rain forest

plural rainforests also rain forests

1

: a tropical woodland with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches (254 centimeters) and marked by lofty broad-leaved evergreen trees forming a continuous canopy

called also tropical rainforest

2

: temperate rainforest

Examples of rainforest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although lucky bamboo is actually a succulent-type Dracaena plant native to Central African rainforests, it’s frequently associated with Chinese traditions nonetheless. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026

Protecting the rainforest is critical to tackling climate change. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

The herbs at the shop support Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, rainforest herbalism and American eclectic herbalism, Ayales says. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Water vapor from the Congo rainforest, the world’s second-largest rain forest after the Amazon, constantly fuels warm and moist air from the Gulf of Guinea. — Daile Zhang, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rainforest

• temperate rainforest
• tropical rainforest

Rhymes for rainforest

• aorist
• deforest
• chorused
• forest
• sorest

Kids Definition

rain forest

noun

1

: an often tropical woodland with a high annual rainfall and very tall evergreen trees with tops forming a continuous layer

called also tropical rain forest

2

: temperate rain forest