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rainwater
noun
rain·wa·ter
ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər
-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
The permeable volcanic rock found throughout the region allows rainwater to seep beneath the surface and collect in large underground aquifers, which provide water to northern California communities.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
That bed of gravel allows rainwater to soak into the ground, lessening runoff, and a paver walkway is a good way to handle a slope.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground showed families across a tent encampment in Khan Younis trying to shovel and sweep dirty rainwater from their tents, while others gathered around a soup kitchen in the rain, holding out pots and pans and crying out for warm food.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Slumping or tilting trees or fence posts and small ponds of rainwater forming where water has not collected before can be warning signs, according to the USGS.
—Lori Comstock, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
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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
Cite this Entry
“Rainwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainwater. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
rainwater
noun
rain·wa·ter
-ˌwȯt-ər
-ˌwät-
: water falling or fallen as rain
Biographical Definition
Rainwater
biographical name
Rain·wa·ter
ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər
-ˌwä-
L(eo) James 1917–1986 American physicist
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