Word
downpour
Phoneticsdown·pour, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnpɔɹ/
UK/dˈaʊnpɔː/
Definition
n. a very heavy and sudden rain that lasts for a short time. It is much stronger than a light shower.
n. a sudden and heavy fall of rain, typically lasting for a short duration.
Examples
“The heavy downpour flooded the streets within minutes.”
“We had to cancel the outdoor wedding because of the sudden downpour that started just as the ceremony began.”
“The sudden downpour provided a much-needed relief to the parched fields, though the intensity of the rain caused several small streams to overflow their banks.”
Examples
simple
“The heavy downpour flooded the streets within minutes.”
contextual
“We had to cancel the outdoor wedding because of the sudden downpour that started just as the ceremony began.”
complex
“The sudden downpour provided a much-needed relief to the parched fields, though the intensity of the rain caused several small streams to overflow their banks.”
Real-World Examples
“Fernandes, Rashford and Cunha tried to add a fifth, with the Old Trafford roof struggling to cope with a downpour as Ipswich failed to deal with the hosts’ attack.” “Downpours and thunderstorms will continue to bring the risk of flooding to parts of the UK on Wednesday.” Etymology
From down- + pour. Compare typologically Czech liják, Polish ulewa, Slovene naliv, Russian ли́вень (lívenʹ) (akin to лить (litʹ)).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/downpour