noun
-
precipitation in the form of raindrops
-
meteorol the amount of precipitation in a specified place and time
Etymology
Origin of rainfall
Vocabulary lists containing rainfall
The Water Cycle - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Earth Science - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Water Cycle - Middle School and High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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 comes after spring rainfall had been exceptionally low for southern and eastern England up until the start of May.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
"The whole world is experiencing a prolonged drought but Turkey is also facing a severe hydrological drought," he said of a phenomenon where rainfall shortages hit the wider water system, depleting water bodies and groundwater.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
But El Niño in 2023-24, which was characterized as “strong,” did bring with it a pretty wet year for Southern California, with downtown L.A. receiving 155% of its typical annual rainfall.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
"While that sounds like a good thing, for Central America that leads to a lot less rainfall and potentially drought conditions," according to Prof Stephens.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
Each night he gave memories to Gabriel: memories of boat rides and picnics in the sun; memories of soft rainfall against windowpanes; memories of dancing barefoot on a damp lawn.
From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
