precipitation

noun

pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsi-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being precipitate : hastiness
2
: an act, process, or instance of precipitating
especially : the process of forming a precipitate
3
: something precipitated: such as
a
: a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow
also : the quantity of water deposited

Examples of precipitation in a Sentence

The weather forecast calls for some sort of frozen precipitation tomorrow—either snow or sleet. a 50 percent chance of precipitation Minerals are separated from the seawater by precipitation.
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.
Temperatures are expected to cool to a low around 43 degrees into Thursday night with a precipitation chance of 80%, according to the National Weather Service. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025 On Friday, the chance of precipitation is expected to drop from Thursday, forecasts show, and the high temperature may climb slightly to the upper 50s. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 19 May 2025 The summer outlook also includes a concerning precipitation trend for a large portion of the US that goes hand-in-hand with prolonged heat: Drier than normal conditions are expected for portions of the West, Midwest and much of the Plains. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 13 May 2025 More precipitation in these locations could make up for the harsh cold season. Jordan-Marie Smith, NPR, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for precipitation

Word History

First Known Use

1502, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precipitation was in 1502

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precipitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precipitation. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
: unwise haste
2
: the process of precipitating or of forming a precipitate
3
: water or the amount of water that falls to the earth as hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow

Medical Definition

precipitation

noun
pre·​cip·​i·​ta·​tion pri-ˌsip-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce precipitation (audio)
1
a
: the process of forming a precipitate from a solution
b
: the process of precipitating or removing solid or liquid particles from a smoke or gas by electrical means
2

More from Merriam-Webster on precipitation

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