rainforest

noun

rain·​for·​est ˈrān-ˌfȯr-əst How to pronounce rainforest (audio)
-ˌfär-
variants or less commonly rain forest
plural rainforests also rain forests
1
: a tropical woodland with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches (254 centimeters) and marked by lofty broad-leaved evergreen trees forming a continuous canopy

called also tropical rainforest

2

Examples of rainforest 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.
To the south of town is Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, an ever-evolving landscape of rainforest and volcanic activity. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026 Researchers initially found one twisted jawbone during excavations near the Amazon rainforest. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026 Renowned for lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife, the country offers rich culture, a variety of activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026 Chan and his colleagues analyzed DNA from frog specimens collected across the mountain rainforests of Malaysian Borneo. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026 Chan Kin Onn, a herpetologist at Michigan State University who led the research, and his colleagues analyzed DNA from frog specimens collected across the mountain rainforests of Malaysian Borneo. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026 The islands were able to offer the remote rainforest setting needed for the backdrop of the story, but that came with its challenges. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026 Dishes like Indian street corn, pumpkin chana masala, and spicy seafood soup drive home the restaurant’s emphasis on spices and herbs, and an open-air setting allows diners to bask in the sounds and smells of the surrounding rainforest. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026 Protecting Indigenous territories is widely seen as one of the most effective ways to curb deforestation in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest and a key regulator of global climate. ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainforest was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

“Rainforest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainforest. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

rain forest

noun
1
: an often tropical woodland with a high annual rainfall and very tall evergreen trees with tops forming a continuous layer

called also tropical rain forest

2

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