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

Lala is forecasted to bring rainfall of 8 to 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with the highest totals reaching up to 25 inches across the higher elevations of the Big Island. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Millions across the Midwest remain under flood watches early Friday as additional bouts of rain sweep through the flooded region where even modest rainfall could cause new problems. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Storms could produce strong winds, hail and heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding. — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2026

As of Friday, officials have issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii’s Big Island, indicating hurricane conditions are expected, including strong winds, rainfall of up to 25 inches and storm surge of up to three feet. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 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