torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl 

tə-

1

a

: relating to or having the character of a torrent

torrential rains

b

: caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams

torrential gravel

2

: resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow

torrentially

tȯ-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē, 

tə- 

adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.

Recent Examples on the Web

As Lala moves northwest, its most serious threat is its torrential rain, which could also spur flash flooding across the other Hawaiian Islands. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

The number of homes that had lost power due to the torrential rain and flooding fell to 18,000 on Friday, down from 68,000 the day before, according to the TEPCO Power Grid. — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The torrential rain and flooding also caused power outages to 68,000 homes, according to the TEPCO Power Grid. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

There are also severe storms and additional periods of torrential rainfall are in the forecast for the weekend as well, and will likely impact portions of the Air & Water Show. — Laura Bannon, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for torrential

• credential
• prudential
• sequential
• tangential
• circumferential
• inconsequential
• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl 

tə-

: relating to or resembling a torrent

torrential rains

torrentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb