torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl 

tə-

1

a

: relating to or having the character of a torrent

torrential rains

b

: caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams

torrential gravel

2

: resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow

torrentially

tȯ-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē, 

tə- 

adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.

Recent Examples on the Web

In additional to the small tornado risk, there is also a chance of damaging, straight-line winds, lightning and torrential downpours. —Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Officials warned creeks and streams may rise from banks due to torrential rainfall that is expected to be capable of producing at least two inches of rain per two hours. —Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

The very humid air could lead to torrential rainfall. —Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

After an hour-long delay due to a torrential downpour, England defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in front of a crowd of 20,341 at Inter&Co Stadium. —Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for torrential

• credential
• prudential
• sequential
• tangential
• circumferential
• inconsequential
• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl 

tə-

: relating to or resembling a torrent

torrential rains

torrentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb