torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl 

tə-

1

a

: relating to or having the character of a torrent

torrential rains

b

: caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams

torrential gravel

2

: resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow

torrentially

tȯ-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē, 

tə- 

adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.

Recent Examples on the Web

Later that week, a torrential downpour would have drenched the tour. — Natalie B. Compton, Washington Post, 25 July 2026

In 2023, torrential rain turned the playa into thick mud, leaving many Burners, including Christian, stranded in the desert. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Two people have died in flash floods caused by torrential rains in West Virginia this week, the governor’s office said Wednesday. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Recurring droughts, wildfires, and torrential rains in Spain have periodically wiped out harvests of specific crops. — Paula De La Cruz, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for torrential

• credential
• prudential
• sequential
• tangential
• circumferential
• inconsequential
• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl 

tə-

: relating to or resembling a torrent

torrential rains

torrentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb