Rainfall: meaning, definitions and examples

🌧️

Add to dictionary

rainfall

[ˈreɪn.fɔːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weather measurement

The amount of rain that falls in a particular area over a specific time period. Rainfall is usually measured in millimeters or inches.

Synonyms

downpour, precipitation, rain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rainfall	Used to describe the amount of rain that falls over a specific period or in a specific area, often used in scientific or weather reports. The rainfall this month was significantly higher than average. Authorities are concerned about the low rainfall levels affecting the region.
precipitation	A scientific term used to describe any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere. This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail. The weather forecast predicts mixed precipitation for tomorrow, including rain and snow. Annual precipitation levels have increased in recent years due to climate change.
rain	A general term for water falling from the sky. It is used in everyday language to describe wet weather conditions. The rain started just as we were planning to go for a walk. Because of the rain, the outdoor concert was postponed.
downpour	Refers to a heavy and sudden burst of rain, usually of short duration. It is often used informally to describe an intense rainstorm. We got caught in the middle of a downpour on our way home. The downpour was so heavy that it flooded the streets within minutes.

Examples of usage

The average annual rainfall in this region is 800mm.
Last month's rainfall was below average.
We need to monitor the rainfall to prevent flooding.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

agricultural impact

The quantity of rain that is important for growing crops or sustaining vegetation. Insufficient or excessive rainfall can have negative effects on agriculture.

Synonyms

precipitation, rain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rainfall	Use 'rainfall' when talking about the amount of rain over a specific period or in a specific area. It's often used in weather reports or scientific contexts. This year, the region experienced unusually high rainfall. The average annual rainfall here is 30 inches.
precipitation	Use 'precipitation' in scientific or technical contexts to refer to all forms of water, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that falls from the atmosphere. The precipitation levels this winter were higher than average. We measured 10 millimeters of precipitation over the past 24 hours.
rain	Use 'rain' in everyday conversation to describe water falling from the sky. It is a general term for the natural phenomenon. I forgot my umbrella and got soaked in the rain. The kids love playing outside in the rain.

Word

Description / Examples

rainfall

Use 'rainfall' when talking about the amount of rain over a specific period or in a specific area. It's often used in weather reports or scientific contexts.

This year, the region experienced unusually high rainfall.
The average annual rainfall here is 30 inches.

precipitation

Use 'precipitation' in scientific or technical contexts to refer to all forms of water, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that falls from the atmosphere.

The precipitation levels this winter were higher than average.
We measured 10 millimeters of precipitation over the past 24 hours.

rain

Use 'rain' in everyday conversation to describe water falling from the sky. It is a general term for the natural phenomenon.

I forgot my umbrella and got soaked in the rain.
The kids love playing outside in the rain.

Examples of usage

The farmers are concerned about the low rainfall this season.
Proper management of rainfall is crucial for a successful harvest.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

statistics

Data or information about the amount of rain that has fallen in a specific area, often used for analysis and comparison.

Synonyms

precipitation data, rain measurement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rainfall	Use this term when discussing the amount of rain that has fallen over a specific period, usually in the context of weather reports or agricultural needs. The annual rainfall in the region was higher than usual this year They recorded the daily rainfall for the entire month
precipitation data	This term is best used when referring to the collected or recorded data on the various forms of precipitation for analysis or research purposes. The meteorologists analyzed the precipitation data to predict water availability Accurate precipitation data is crucial for climate studies
rain measurement	This phrase is used when specifically discussing the process or method of measuring the amount of rain over a given period. Rain measurement can be done using a rain gauge Accurate rain measurement helps in weather forecasting

Word

Description / Examples

rainfall

Use this term when discussing the amount of rain that has fallen over a specific period, usually in the context of weather reports or agricultural needs.

The annual rainfall in the region was higher than usual this year
They recorded the daily rainfall for the entire month

precipitation data

This term is best used when referring to the collected or recorded data on the various forms of precipitation for analysis or research purposes.

The meteorologists analyzed the precipitation data to predict water availability
Accurate precipitation data is crucial for climate studies

rain measurement

This phrase is used when specifically discussing the process or method of measuring the amount of rain over a given period.

Rain measurement can be done using a rain gauge
Accurate rain measurement helps in weather forecasting

Examples of usage

The meteorologist recorded the daily rainfall for the past month.
The rainfall statistics show a decrease compared to last year.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word is made up of 'rain,' from Old English 'regn,' and 'fall,' which comes from Old English 'feallan' meaning to drop down.
The connection between rain and falling dates back centuries, emphasizing the natural movement of water from clouds to the earth.

Climate Science

Regions with high rainfall, like tropical rainforests, can receive more than 200 inches of rain annually, supporting diverse ecosystems.
Changes in rainfall patterns can indicate shifts in climate, with some areas facing droughts while others experience flooding.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, rainfall is seen as a blessing, celebrated during festivals to pray for healthy crops and good harvests.
Rain is often a symbol in literature and art, representing change, renewal, and even sadness.

Meteorology

Rainfall can be classified into types like 'drizzle,' 'showers,' and 'downpour' based on the intensity and duration of the precipitation.
Weather forecasting uses radar technology to detect and predict rainfall, helping communities prepare for weather events.

Gardening and Agriculture

Farmers rely on rainfall patterns to plan planting seasons, understanding when they need to irrigate their crops.
Some cities harness rainfall through green roofs and rain gardens, helping manage stormwater and promote sustainability.

Translations

Translations of the word "rainfall" in other languages:

🇵🇹 precipitação

🇮🇳 वर्षा

🇩🇪 Niederschlag

🇮🇩 curah hujan

🇺🇦 опади

🇵🇱 opad

🇯🇵 降水量

🇫🇷 précipitations

🇪🇸 precipitación

🇹🇷 yağış

🇰🇷 강수량

🇸🇦 هطول الأمطار

🇨🇿 srážky

🇸🇰 zrážky

🇨🇳 降雨量

🇸🇮 padavine

🇮🇸 úrkoma

🇰🇿 жаңбыр мөлшері

🇬🇪 ნალექი

🇦🇿 yağıntı

🇲🇽 precipitación