Cloudburst: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a sudden, intense rainfall that happens in a very short period of time, often localized.

• A sudden cloudburst drenched the entire picnic area.
• The city experienced a cloudburst that caused flash flooding.

Refers to a heavy and continuous rainfall, but not necessarily as sudden as a cloudburst.

• We got caught in a heavy downpour on our way home.
• The downpour lasted for hours, leading to minor flooding in the streets.

Typically used to refer to an extensive flood caused by heavy rain; can also mean any overwhelming amount of something.

• The small town was hit by a deluge that left many houses underwater.
• After the announcement, there was a deluge of phone calls to the office.

Describes very heavy rain that falls rapidly and with great force, often leading to flooding.

• The torrential rain washed away the newly planted crops.
• The soccer match was canceled due to torrential rain.