rainforest

noun

rain·​for·​est ˈrān-ˌfȯr-əst 

-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

: temperate rainforest

Examples of rainforest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of my strongest memories are being out here with elders, learning what the reef, rainforest, and waterfalls mean. — Liam Freeman, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026

This is especially urgent, scientists say, as the climate approaches tipping points that could doom rainforests, coral reefs and ice sheets. — Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 10 Nov. 2026

The region offers plenty of adventurous landscapes to explore, from rainforests to volcanoes, and, of course, beautiful tropical beaches. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026

The pair met during a trip to the Amazon in the early days of the Rainforest Fund which Styler co-founded in 1988 with Sting to protect rainforests and their indigenous people. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rainforest

• temperate rainforest
• tropical rainforest

Rhymes for rainforest

• aorist
• deforest
• chorused
• forest
• sorest

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

: temperate rain forest