rainfall

[reyn-fawl]

noun

1. a fall or shower of rain.

2. the amount of water falling in rain, snow, etc., within a given time and area, usually expressed as a hypothetical depth of coverage.

   a rainfall of 70 inches a year.

rainfall

/ ˈreɪnˌfɔːl /

noun

1. precipitation in the form of raindrops

2. meteorol the amount of precipitation in a specified place and time

rainfall

1. The quantity of water, usually expressed in millimeters or inches, that is precipitated in liquid form in a specified area and time interval. Rainfall is often considered to include solid precipitation such as snow, hail, and sleet as well.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rainfall¹

First recorded in 1840–50; rain + fall

Example Sentences

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the northeast monsoon season, but rainfall has intensified due to the cyclone, it added.

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Climate change also has impacted storm patterns, including the duration and intensity of the season, leading to heavier rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.

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The National Drought Group met at the end of October where the Environment Agency suggested that England needs at least 100% of average rainfall up to the end of March to largely recover from drought.

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Heavy rainfall in Malaysia is normal during the northeast monsoon period, but recent downpours have been unusually intense, it says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite abundant rainfall, the Kinshasa region is not particularly conducive to agriculture, which further complicates the farmers' efforts.

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Related Words

• moisture 
• rain 
• shower