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.
Drought concerns in the Midwest and Northeast Widespread moderate drought has developed recently in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, where precipitation during August was well below normal (rainfall deficits of 3 to 5 inches). Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025 Temperatures are currently expected to rise into the low 90s, with on-again, off-again precipitation. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 The chance of precipitation is 20%. Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Sep. 2025 Winter precipitation can be below normal as well if La Niña does emerge. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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