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

Extreme weather events, such as drought or heavy rainfall, also stress trees and can trigger them to rapidly protect themselves by more rapidly pulling in the chlorophyll from their leaves, dulling fall colors. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026

Flooding from powerful storms and days of heavy rainfall inundated communities in several states. — Dana R. Fisher, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Here’s an interactive map showing 24-hour rainfall totals across parts of the metro. — Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

The additional rainfall is not associated with Rachel, but a different weather system moving across the West, Orrison said. — Jaimie Ding, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 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