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rainout

American  
[rayn-aut] / ˈreɪnˌaʊt /
Or rain-out

noun

  1. a contest, performance, or the like, that has been rained out.

  2. Also called washout. the removal of radioactive particles or other foreign substances from the atmosphere by precipitation.


rainout British  
/ ˈreɪnˌaʊt /

noun

  1. radioactive fallout or atmospheric pollution carried to the earth by rain

"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 rainout

1945–50, noun use of verb phrase rain out

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.

See Examples For:

Open, her legions of Filipino fans energizing the entire tournament, even a Monday rainout final.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

Before the rainout bumped the second game of the series against the New York Yankees, Sheehan was scheduled to start Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026

Two days, three wins and 18 runs from a once-slumping lineup later, it’s hard to not see the rainout now as a blessing in disguise.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2024

The Phillies had played one fewer game than the Giants because of Monday’s rainout that forced the doubleheader.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 8, 2023

“It’ll be a rainout, or something. I’ll be fine.”

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

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