stormwater
noun
storm·wa·ter
ˈstȯrm-ˌwȯ-tər 
-ˌwä-
: rainwater produced by a storm
a stormwater management system
As stormwater runs over lawns, streets and other man-made surfaces, it picks up pollutants—phosphorous and nitrogen from fertilizers, bacteria from pet waste and road salt, to name a few—and carries them into local streams and lakes.—
Delen Goldberg
Delen GoldbergThis rainfall "of biblical proportions," as the local newspaper described it, swamped the city in waist-high stormwater.—Christopher Cooper and Robert Block
Christopher Cooper and Robert BlockExamples of stormwater in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cleaning out our stormwater systems, sidewalk repairs and lighting in District 8 need investment to ensure safety and quality of life for all residents.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The city is currently designing its next 20‑year stormwater management plan and has posted a survey on its website for residents to share concerns and priorities.
—Bo Evans, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Eliana Brown, water quality and stormwater specialist with University of Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, shares 10 favorite native plants that don’t mind life on the thirsty side.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Midwest Living, 1 May 2026
Another common problem is blocked sewer grates stopping stormwater from draining away from neighborhoods and roads.
—Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stormwater
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.
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The city is currently designing its next 20‑year stormwater management plan and has posted a survey on its website for residents to share concerns and priorities.
—Bo Evans, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Eliana Brown, water quality and stormwater specialist with University of Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, shares 10 favorite native plants that don’t mind life on the thirsty side.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Midwest Living, 1 May 2026
Another common problem is blocked sewer grates stopping stormwater from draining away from neighborhoods and roads.
—Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stormwater
Cite this Entry
“Stormwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stormwater. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
