rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
1
: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches
2

Examples of rainfall in a Sentence

This area has an average annual rainfall of 12 inches. an increase in annual rainfall
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
An additional 2 to 4 inches of rainfall are expected into Thursday morning across parts of western Cuba, amounting to 12 inches of total accumulations from the storm. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 Some regions, including southeastern Kansas, southwestern Missouri, and northeastern and central Oklahoma, are forecasted to receive 8–12 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 18 inches, according to an AccuWeather media advisory released Monday. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Flooding as a result of excessive rainfall remained a danger, the weather service reported, with 1 to 4 inches of additional rainfall possible Monday night. Penny Weaver, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024 For every centimeter of rainfall, same-day voter turnout can decrease by as much as 0.95 points, according to research from a 2023 analysis of voter turnout and rain. Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rainfall 

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainfall was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near rainfall

Cite this Entry

“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rainfall

noun
rain·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
1
: a fall of rain
2
: amount of precipitation
an annual rainfall of 20 inches

More from Merriam-Webster on rainfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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