rainfall

noun

rain·​fall ˈrān-ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
1
: the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in inches
2

Examples of rainfall in a Sentence

This area has an average annual rainfall of 12 inches. an increase in annual rainfall
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The renovation addressed agronomic issues caused by 78 inches of average rainfall per year, and included a comprehensive renovation to every bunker, drainage upgrades, and cart-path improvements throughout the property, and an aggressive aeration of the Seashore paspalum turf. Scott Kramer, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Across the Atlantic, a neighborhood suffering from surges of rainfall and flooding was stepping into a sandbox of its own. Marina Lopes, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 Changes in the ocean's temperature can affect tropical rainfall patterns, which in turn can impact weather all over the world. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Dec. 2024 And in Northern California, a powerful storm system is forecast for Thursday, Friday and over the weekend, bringing 1 to 2 inches of rainfall to the Sacramento and San Francisco areas as well as dumping 10 to 20 inches of snow in elevations above 5,000 feet in the the Sierra. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rainfall 

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainfall was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near rainfall

Cite this Entry

“Rainfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainfall. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rainfall

noun
rain·​fall -ˌfȯl How to pronounce rainfall (audio)
1
: a fall of rain
2
: amount of precipitation
an annual rainfall of 20 inches

More from Merriam-Webster on rainfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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