rainwater

noun

rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce rainwater (audio)
-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 The wall had holes, which were likely used as part of sewage or rainwater systems, experts said. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2024 Then, between 10 million and 15 million years ago, acidic rainwater began dissolving the limestone-rich ground to form the earliest shafts of the Mammoth Cave network, making the ancient rock beds accessible. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 Courtesy of Jensen/BRV Engineering Balconies where the rainwater drains toward the interior of the building, rather than away from it. Abieyuwa Aghayere, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2024 There are plans for several gardens on the campus, including a rainwater harvesting garden to help supply water for the school and a garden intended to produce food for the cafeteria. The Arizona Republic, 12 Jan. 2024 There is currently no way for the city to recycle wastewater or collect rainwater to replenish the aquifer. USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 Design elements include rainwater capture, native and climate-appropriate plants, plants for habitat, efficient irrigation, permeable paving and the utilization of compost and mulch. Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Such holding tanks, dating back to the Soviet era, are scattered throughout the village, probably originally used for collecting rainwater. Sabra Ayres, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024 In Seville, Real Betis is building a brand new training center with a solar plant, natural ventilation systems and a storage pond that can collect rainwater. Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rainwater.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainwater was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near rainwater

rainwash

rainwater

Rainwater

Cite this Entry

“Rainwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainwater. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rainwater

noun
rain·​wa·​ter -ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce rainwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: water falling or fallen as rain

Biographical Definition

Rainwater

biographical name

Rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce Rainwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
L(eo) James 1917–1986 American physicist

More from Merriam-Webster on rainwater

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