rainwater

noun

rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

: water fallen as rain that has not collected soluble matter from the soil and is therefore soft

Examples of rainwater in a Sentence

a bucket filled with rainwater

Recent Examples on the Web

Debris landed on their roof, puncturing it so that rainwater was flowing into their living room. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

Eco effort The property holds Green Key certification and runs initiatives such as rainwater collection for irrigation, reduction of single-use plastics, composting partnerships, and sustainable sourcing of food and beverages. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

The soon-to-be roof and paving stones have been designed to reduce flood risks by capturing rainwater, which can then be stored underground and used for putting out flames. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Diadiuk collects rainwater, strains it through gauze, treats it with chlorine and boils it. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rainwater

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• groundwater
• headwater

Kids Definition

rainwater

noun

rain·​wa·​ter -ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

: water falling or fallen as rain

Biographical Definition

Rainwater

biographical name

Rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

L(eo) James 1917–1986 American physicist