What does rainstorm mean?
A rainstorm is a storm accompanied by heavy rain, often with wind and occasionally thunder or lightning. The word is also used figuratively for a rapid barrage of questions, criticism, or objections directed at someone. As a verb, “rainstorm” can describe either exceptionally heavy rainfall or a forceful verbal assault, as when reporters question a public figure at length. In ordinary use, the term emphasizes the severity of the weather and the disruption it causes. The metaphorical sense carries a somewhat informal but vivid implication of pressure, intensity, and being overwhelmed. Although “rainstorm” is closely associated with storms that include thunder, it differs from “thunderstorm,” which specifically identifies thunder as a defining feature. The compound is transparent in both its literal and figurative uses.
A storm characterized by heavy rain, often accompanied by wind and sometimes thunder or lightning.
"The road became impassable after a violent rainstorm."
The term usually emphasizes heavy rainfall; it does not necessarily imply thunder or lightning.
A barrage of questions, criticism, or comments directed at someone in quick succession.
"The spokesperson faced a rainstorm of questions after the decision was announced."
To rain very heavily.
"It continued to rainstorm through the evening, leaving the streets waterlogged."
To direct a forceful barrage of questions or criticism at someone.
"The panel was rainstormed with questions about the new policy."
The plural form is used for separate storms or for multiple instances of the weather phenomenon.
"Powerful rainstorms flooded several villages along the coast."
The word is a wonderfully transparent compound: a storm that is defined by its rain, but whose impact can be equally stormy in the figurative sense of overwhelming criticism.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rainstorm come from?
“Rainstorm” is an English compound formed from “rain” and “storm,” both of which are old English words. The compound appears in English in the 19th century and developed alongside the increasing use of hyphenated compounds for named weather phenomena. Its later figurative use follows the established idea of a storm as a forceful barrage, producing a parallel with the weather sense.
Related word forms
How rainstorm is actually used
The noun is common in everyday English and may refer to a storm of any intensity described chiefly by heavy rain. The verb is less formal; in its figurative sense, “rainstorm” is especially associated with intensive questioning or criticism, often in journalism and public interviews.
Easily confused with rainstorm
A thunderstorm is defined by thunder, while a rainstorm is defined by heavy rain and may or may not include thunder or lightning.