downpour

noun

down·​pour ˈdau̇n-ˌpȯr How to pronounce downpour (audio)
Synonyms of downpournext
: a pouring or streaming downward
especially : a heavy rain

Synonyms of downpour

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Examples of downpour in a Sentence

the downpour was so heavy that we were soaked by the time we got to the car
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite the copious downpour that led to flooding across many parts of the country in the past few weeks, India still faces the prospect of a deficient monsoon this year. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday into Thursday morning, with a few storms capable of damaging winds and heavy downpours, the National Weather Service said. — Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 A couple of those storms could become severe, with damaging winds and torrential downpours. — Rachael Jay, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 The downpours caused pooling throughout Grant Park where the festival is held. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downpour

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downpour was in 1801

Browse Nearby Words

downplay
downpour
downrange
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Cite this Entry

“Downpour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downpour. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

downpour

noun
down·​pour -ˌpōr How to pronounce downpour (audio)
-ˌpȯr
: a heavy rain

More from Merriam-Webster on downpour

Nglish: Translation of downpour for Spanish Speakers

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