rain check

noun

1

: a ticket stub good for a later performance when the scheduled one is rained out

2

: an assurance of a deferred extension of an offer

especially : a document assuring that a customer can take advantage of a sale later if the item or service offered is not available (as by being sold out)

Example Sentences

The store offered rain checks when the sale items had all sold.

Recent Examples on the Web

With all that has happened in the crypto space over the last year, Wall Street would be excused for wanting to take a rain check on digital-assets. —Janet Babin, Bloomberg.com, 14 Feb. 2023

This year’s telecast is — so far — set to make good on that rain check and actually broadcast from the arena in Brooklyn, though it’s believed that producers are still evaluating options about what kind of crowd the live event might play to. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 24 Aug. 2021

As more buyers take a rain check, the housing market correction only gets more intense. —Lance Lambert, Fortune, 30 July 2022

As a result, the postcard said, those who spent $75 or more during the November open house would need to bring in the postcard or an earlier postcard offer to receive a rain check to pick up a free gift from Dec. 13 through Dec. 24. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2021

Take a rain check on an investment or money-making scheme. —Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, 29 June 2021

The glitchy first night — power problems, a producer explained to disappointed guests, sent home with a rain check — was corrected by the following evening. —Washington Post, 17 June 2021

Stay home and take a rain check on a social invitation. —Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, 13 Nov. 2020

Take a rain check on amorous activities and avoid mix-ups and misunderstandings. —Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, 7 Sep. 2020

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Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1