-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
There is currently no way for the city to recycle wastewater or collect rainwater to replenish the aquifer.
—USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024
Design elements include rainwater capture, native and climate-appropriate plants, plants for habitat, efficient irrigation, permeable paving and the utilization of compost and mulch.
—Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024
Such holding tanks, dating back to the Soviet era, are scattered throughout the village, probably originally used for collecting rainwater.
—Sabra Ayres, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024
In Seville, Real Betis is building a brand new training center with a solar plant, natural ventilation systems and a storage pond that can collect rainwater.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
But the property is also completely modern with a chef’s kitchen, a laundry room on each floor and underground water storage tanks for rainwater.
—Pueng Vongs, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2024
The decades-old drainage system was designed to release city rainwater into the river, but small businesses and private homeowners illegally dump waste into the storm collectors, says Victor Demianow, Dnipro’s leading hydrologist.
—Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2024
Scott also has a separate line and a rainwater barrel on the side of the house to give a soak to the rest of the plants.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2024
Capturing rainwater or using greywater from shower drains or sinks can reduce the need for pumping water, water treatment and water distribution.
—Benjamin Goldstein, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Rainwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainwater. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on rainwater
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share