rainwater

noun

rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce rainwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: water fallen as rain that has not collected soluble matter from the soil and is therefore soft

Examples of rainwater in a Sentence

a bucket filled with rainwater
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the Slovenian Alps, lodges that depend on rainwater have restricted the use of water for climbers and hikers, including for showers and toilets. — CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Some have indentations meant to gather rainwater, and some have multiple points of entry and egress, all of which the rats apparently appreciate. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The hotel’s environmental commitment includes conserving resources through their rainwater collection irrigation system as well as water flow restrictors installed in all showers, toilets, and sinks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 Any attempt is thwarted by a seal seemingly made of rainwater. — William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rainwater

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainwater was before the 12th century

Rhymes for rainwater

See All Rhymes for rainwater

Browse Nearby Words

rainwash
rainwater
Rainwater
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Cite this Entry

“Rainwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainwater. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rainwater

noun
rain·​wa·​ter -ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce rainwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: water falling or fallen as rain

Biographical Definition

Rainwater

biographical name

Rain·​wa·​ter ˈrān-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce Rainwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
L(eo) James 1917–1986 American physicist
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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