Rainfall: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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