rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl 

1

: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches

2

: rain sense 2a

Synonyms of rainfall

• rain

Examples of rainfall in a Sentence

This area has an average annual rainfall of 12 inches.

an increase in annual rainfall

Recent Examples on the Web

During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026

The General Accounting Office, a federal watchdog agency, raised concerns five years ago that FEMA’s flood hazard maps didn’t reflect the best available climate science or heavy rainfall. — Tammy Webber, Fortune, 23 June 2026

Any storms that form could produce brief heavy rainfall, gusty winds and frequent lightning. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Heatwaves and storms are being intensified by climate change, pushing temperatures higher and causing more rainfall. — Sudip Kar-Gupta, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rainfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

rainfall

noun

rain·​fall -ˌfȯl 

1

: a fall of rain

2

: amount of precipitation

an annual rainfall of 20 inches