rainforest

noun

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.
In 2022, parachutist Luigi Cani dropped 100 million seeds over the Amazon rainforest while skydiving. — Regina G. Barber, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026 Deep in the humid greenery of a Sumatran rainforest, serenaded by birdsong and the jungle’s endless thrum, a baby orangutan clings to its mother. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 In Nyungwe Forest, One&Only Nyungwe House combines a beautiful rainforest setting with easy access to the region’s chimpanzee trekking and other experiences. — Leora Rothschild, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2026 Its beaches, rainforests, mangroves, cultural heritage and gastronomy give the island a distinctive proposition for travelers seeking experiences beyond conventional Caribbean resort tourism. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rainforest

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 16 Oct. 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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