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

The torrential rains that poured over the state of Rio Grande do Sul in recent days were well above normal for this time of year, according to experts. —Ana Ionova, New York Times, 2 May 2024

Flash floods and landslides caused by torrential rains have damaged homes and destroyed infrastructure. —Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl 

tə-

: relating to or resembling a torrent

torrential rains

torrentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb