What does rainfall mean?
Rainfall means the amount of rain that falls in a particular place or over a particular period. It is commonly discussed in weather reports, geography, agriculture, and discussions of drought and flooding. As an uncountable noun, it usually refers to the general phenomenon or the measured quantity: “The area received little rainfall last year.” It can also refer to an individual episode of rain, especially in formal or technical writing. The word is distinct from the broader term precipitation, which includes snow, sleet, and hail as well as rain. Rainfall is especially useful when discussing the climate of a region, its agricultural conditions, water supplies, or the likelihood of flooding and landslides.
The amount of rain that falls in a particular area or during a particular period.
"Annual rainfall varies sharply across the island."
Often used with geographic, agricultural, and meteorological terms such as annual, heavy, and low.
The occurrence of rain falling.
"The match was delayed by rainfall."
This sense is more formal and is common in reports and weather-related contexts.
Usually used for separate occurrences of rain; the plural is less common than the uncountable use.
"The early rainfalls of the season were heavier than expected."
Rainfall turns a region’s climate into a vivid picture: deserts receive little of it, while tropical forests may receive it in towering daily bursts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rainfall come from?
Rainfall is an English compound formed from the Germanic words rain and fall. The second element refers to the falling or occurrence of something from the atmosphere, making the compound a transparent English formation. Its sense developed from a general description of rain falling to a more technical term for the measured quantity of rain in a place or period.
How rainfall is actually used
Rainfall is commonly used in geographical, agricultural, and meteorological contexts. It is usually uncountable when referring to the phenomenon or measured precipitation, while the plural rainfalls is used for separate recorded occurrences.
Easily confused with rainfall
Precipitation is the general term for water falling from the atmosphere, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail, whereas rainfall refers specifically to rain.