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Synonyms

rain gauge

American  

noun

  1. an instrument for measuring rainfall.


rain gauge British  

noun

  1. Also called: pluviometer.  an instrument for measuring rainfall or snowfall, consisting of a cylinder covered by a funnel-like lid

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of rain gauge

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It included a rain gauge, a funnel and a brass container.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

A rain gauge picked up 0.74 of an inch on Topanga Canyon Boulevard on the edge of the fire boundary, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2025

A rain gauge, which sort of looks like a test tube marked with measurements, will also inform on rainfall amounts.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 28, 2023

If it rained, but you don't have a rain gauge, or you're not sure how much it rained, check the local weather information.

From Salon • May 29, 2022

She asked for a barometer and an anemometer and a rain gauge for Christmas, and hung them outside her bedroom window.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

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