rainwater

noun

rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce rainwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: water fallen as rain that has not collected soluble matter from the soil and is therefore soft

Examples of rainwater in a Sentence

a bucket filled with rainwater
Recent Examples on the Web Still, archaeologists did find evidence that there was a different system for collecting rainwater, which was here directed to a well via a channel. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 25 Oct. 2024 Sustainable options include rainwater harvesting and graywater systems for water conservation. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024 And rainwater, ironically another finite resource now, for toilets. Susanne Paola Antonetta, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024 The overall feeling is a bit like a Japanese temple—a wide, curved roof which collects rainwater, creating an accidental waterfall at the front. Kissa Castaneda, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rainwater 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rainwater.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainwater was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near rainwater

rainwash

rainwater

Rainwater

Cite this Entry

“Rainwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainwater. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rainwater

noun
rain·​wa·​ter -ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce rainwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: water falling or fallen as rain

Biographical Definition

Rainwater

biographical name

Rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce Rainwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
L(eo) James 1917–1986 American physicist

More from Merriam-Webster on rainwater

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