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

Because a hotter atmosphere holds more water that evaporates from a rapidly warming Mediterranean Sea, climate change increases the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall in the region.

Read more on Barron's

“Over the past year droughts in major coffee-producing regions like Brazil and heavier than usual rainfall and plant diseases in some cocoa producing regions in Africa have pushed up on prices,” she said.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

From Thursday to Saturday, the region’s mountains, foothills and deserts could, again, see significant rainfall — this time because of Hurricane Priscilla, the National Weather Service warned.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One Beverly Hills will feature botanical gardens that reflect the diverse landscape of Southern California, with drought-resistant native plants fed solely on recycled water, including rainfall and the runoff from residents’ sinks and showers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

With rainfall totals building after spells of heavy rain through this week, there is the risk of further localised flooding.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• moisture 
• rain 
• shower