rainstorm

noun

rain·​storm ˈrān-ˌstȯrm How to pronounce rainstorm (audio)
: a storm of or with rain

Examples of rainstorm in a Sentence

we ran into a big rainstorm on Highway 6, and the visibility was so poor we had to pull over
Recent Examples on the Web That was after a 6-foot wide, 20-foot deep sinkhole appeared on the right field warning track at Carroll B. Land Stadium following a massive rainstorm in late January. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Feb. 2024 The almost 3,000-foot-long tunnel Phoenix natives know as the Deck Park tunnel had a persistent leak on the eastbound Interstate 10 for over a decade, but with recent Valley rainstorms the leak, now heavier, made its way to the westbound lanes the past week. Kira Caspers, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 The downpours affected much of Southern California, as the weather service reported showers and possible rainstorms throughout Los Angeles County and warned of possible flooding on local roads and freeways. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024 The problem is three separate rainstorms will limit the amount of time to enjoy this taste of spring. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 With major rainstorms predicted over the next week, crews in San Clemente were busy at work on Wednesday, Jan. 31, covering a hillside beneath the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, where the city has been doing emergency work to stabilize the slope. Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Kayakers have been paddling in one of the driest places on Earth after a series of record rainstorms battered California’s Death Valley and replenished Lake Manly. Ty O'Neil, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2024 Record-setting rainstorms that have drenched Southern California have caused water to infiltrate the layers of clay in the landslide area, softening it and allowing for more rapid movement. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 This oversized, ergonomic model has a deep seat and is made of high-quality steel that won’t rust and all-weather plastic that can withstand everything from giant winds, rainstorms, snow, excessive sun, and more. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rainstorm.' 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

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainstorm was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near rainstorm

Cite this Entry

“Rainstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainstorm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rainstorm

noun
rain·​storm -ˌstȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce rainstorm (audio)
: a storm of or with rain

More from Merriam-Webster on rainstorm

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