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
This rainfall deficit from normal also comes after seven consecutive months of below-average rainfall in Austin.
—
Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
While rainfall runs off quickly and can more readily evaporate from soil, snowpack serves as a valuable and lasting source of moisture and accounts for a majority of water supplies across the region, as much as 80 percent in some areas.
—Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Boise saw little snow at all this winter and some significant rainfall, but Gordon said the trails held up well.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Heavy rainfall leads to high growth of grass and brush, which then becomes abundant fuel during periods of extreme dryness.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rainfall
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Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
While rainfall runs off quickly and can more readily evaporate from soil, snowpack serves as a valuable and lasting source of moisture and accounts for a majority of water supplies across the region, as much as 80 percent in some areas.
—Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Boise saw little snow at all this winter and some significant rainfall, but Gordon said the trails held up well.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Heavy rainfall leads to high growth of grass and brush, which then becomes abundant fuel during periods of extreme dryness.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rainfall
Cite this Entry
“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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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