torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.
Recent Examples on the Web Cocoa prices have been on a tear for months, following torrential rains in the West African growing region that have led to a mounting production shortfall. David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Hail, damaging wind gusts, torrential rain and tornadoes are all possible, especially during the afternoon and evening. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 The storm’s torrential rains and floods killed three people and damaged or destroyed roughly 1,000 homes across San Diego County, many of them within the city along Chollas Creek. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 There was no California salmon season in 2023 because of the long drought that preceded last winter’s torrential rains, and the 2024 season is still in question. David Helvarg, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 But in the aftermath of record torrential rains and flooding, water has transformed the arid landscape into a thriving lake. USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 Both races were postponed due to torrential rain in Daytona Beach, creating a spectacular double-header. Joseph Wolkin, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 As Monday continues, Californians can expect torrential rain, mountain snow and damaging wind gusts that will continue throughout most of the day before moving east into the Rockies by Tuesday. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 17 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, the county has issued an advisory to residents in the community of La Conchita that the torrential rain could lead to landslides and debris flows. Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'torrential.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of torrential was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near torrential

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective
tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
tə-
: relating to or resembling a torrent
torrential rains
torrentially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on torrential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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