flash flood

noun

: a local flood of short duration generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity
flash flood verb

Examples of flash flood in a Sentence

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.
The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Apr. 2026 The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026 The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026 According to Fiji Meteorological Services, there are active weather warnings in Fiji on April 5 for flash floods, heavy rain and a tropical cyclone. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flash flood

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash flood was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flash flood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20flood. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on flash flood

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster