acid rain

noun

: rain that has increased acidity caused by environmental factors (such as atmospheric pollutants)

Examples of acid rain in a Sentence

trees damaged by acid rain
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your authors grew up in a time when school-children learned about the problems of an ozone hole, acid rain, and depleted tungsten supplies, not carbon emissions. Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025 At the same time, acid rain, formed from sulfur and nitrogen oxides from coal and gasoline, acted like chemical shovels, freeing more metals naturally held in the bedrock and forest soils. Aubrey Hillman, The Conversation, 8 Aug. 2025 And countries have solved other global environmental problems, such as the ozone hole and acid rain, through international agreements. Nils Kupzok, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2025 Coquina rock is an ancient mixture of shells, sand, and acid rain. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for acid rain

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acid rain was in 1845

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Cite this Entry

“Acid rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20rain. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

acid rain

noun
: rain with increased acidity that is caused by environmental factors (as atmospheric pollutants)

Medical Definition

acid rain

noun
: acid precipitation especially in the form of rain

More from Merriam-Webster on acid rain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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