rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a 60% chance for precipitation across the region with some slow-moving storms capable of winds up to 50 mph, lightning strikes and some flooding from heavy rainfall that could drop 1-3 inches. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025 Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said rainfall in these regions increased by 300% compared to conditions before the arrival of the tropical wave. Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 After months of minimal rainfall, brown lemurs shift their diets from various fruit to the watery leaves of low-growing plants. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rainfall

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainfall was in 1817

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

rainfall

noun
rain·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
1
: a fall of rain
2
: amount of precipitation
an annual rainfall of 20 inches

More from Merriam-Webster on rainfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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