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

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and a key regulator of global climate, so anything that degrades it could accelerate global warming, researchers say. — Gabriela Sa Pessoa, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Anchored by the towering active Turrialba Volcano, this striking region packs rolling highlands, coffee fields, dairy farms, dense rainforest and Caribbean landscapes into one area. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026

Experts say protecting Indigenous land is one of the most effective ways to curb deforestation in the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest and a key regulator of global climate. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

In Brazil, both the Amazon rainforest and the vast grassland known as the Cerrado have been rapidly transformed through clearing and logging operations into pastures and cropland. — Literary Hub, 23 July 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