rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl 

1

: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches

2

: rain sense 2a

Synonyms

• 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

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

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