# downpour

/ˈdaʊnpɔɹ/ (US) · /dˈaʊnpɔː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downpour
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a very heavy and sudden rain that lasts for a short time. It is much stronger than a light shower.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.