rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl 

1

: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches

2

: rain sense 2a

Synonyms of rainfall

• rain

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

This is not expected to be a significant rainfall event, and many locations will remain dry. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Florida officials were forced to find alternative polling stations after heavy rainfall triggered dangerous flash flooding along the midsection of Florida. — Time Staff, Time, 3 Nov. 2026

Any additional rainfall is expected to exacerbate ongoing flooding. — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Warm soil encourages germination, while cooler air temperatures and seasonal rainfall can help young grass establish before winter. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rainfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

rainfall

noun

rain·​fall -ˌfȯl 

1

: a fall of rain

2

: amount of precipitation

an annual rainfall of 20 inches