rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl 

1

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

2

: rain sense 2a

Synonyms of rainfall

• 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

Mudslides and floods caused by heavy rainfall are common in Ethiopia, especially during the rainy season. —Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026

Death Valley and its harsh, desert climate experienced a 202 percent increase in rainfall from November through January compared to 2025 levels, and the region surpassed its annual average in just three months. —Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026

During El Niño, the jet stream can dip farther south and allow more storms and cold air to surge into Texas, which is how places like Austin can see more rainfall and less extreme heat during those times. —Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026

Excessive rainfall may not be the only danger on the weekend. —Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026

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