1
: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches
2
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
See photo gallery: Photos show impact of Hurricane Erick after landfall along Mexico Pacific coast
The activity was due in part to a large-scale climate pattern known as the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which is an eastward-moving disturbance of clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure.
—
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025
The rainfall threatened flooding and mudslides especially in areas with steep terrain.
—Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 June 2025
North Texas weather has gotten more severe in recent years, with heavier rainfall, a higher risk of flooding and worse humidity, according to meteorologists and the state’s top climatologist.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rainfall
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Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025
The rainfall threatened flooding and mudslides especially in areas with steep terrain.
—Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 June 2025
North Texas weather has gotten more severe in recent years, with heavier rainfall, a higher risk of flooding and worse humidity, according to meteorologists and the state’s top climatologist.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rainfall
Cite this Entry
“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rainfall
noun
rain·fall
-ˌfȯl 
1
: a fall of rain
2
: amount of precipitation
an annual rainfall of 20 inches
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