rainy day

American  

noun

1. a time of need or emergency.

   saving money for a rainy day.

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rainy day British  

noun

1. a future time of need, esp financial

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Other Word Forms

• rainy-day
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of rainy day

First recorded in 1570–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rainy day

“Treasury is not going to utilize its entire rainy day fund to fund its buyback program. This is not exactly Draghi-esque, a do-whatever-it-takes moment. This is not Ben Bernanke’s bazooka,” Brusuelas said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 24, 2026

But paying a dividend, reducing debt or building up cash for a rainy day can be better choices sometimes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

With few exceptions, the limit applies to most appropriations of tax revenue, including when lawmakers put money away in the rainy day fund and other reserves.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2026

If approved by voters on the statewide ballot in November, the amendment would raise a cap on mandatory deposits into the rainy day fund from 10% to 20% of general fund revenue.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2026

In Evan's case, he also appreciated the little things, like ladybugs and lucky pennies and the clouds on a rainy day.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

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