rainwater

¹

[reyn-waw-ter, -wot-er]

noun

1. water fallen as rain.

Rainwater

²

[reyn-waw-ter, -wot-er]

noun

1. (Leo) James, 1917–86, U.S. physicist: Nobel Prize 1975.

rainwater

/ ˈreɪnˌwɔːtə /

noun

1. water from rain (as distinguished from spring water, tap water, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rainwater¹

before 1000; Middle English rein water, Old English regn-wæter; rain, water

Example Sentences

In keeping with their desire for a permeable landscape, Craig recommended breaking the front walkway into large squares edged with river rocks so rainwater could flow into the ground instead of the street.

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One simple solution, she says, is for Scotland to start collecting and using untreated rainwater for watering gardens, washing cars and flushing toilets rather than using precious drinking water.

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L.A.’s water management system discards billions of gallons of rainwater that might be reused.

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Imagine streets and sidewalks with healthy tree canopies, permeable paving, and green infrastructure that captures rainwater for recharge or reuse, so it enters the water table instead of being directed to our channelized rivers.

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Other creators are staging water‑themed challenges or explaining the tech behind rainwater harvesting, all while nudging their millions of fans to donate.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• drink 
• rain