# rainstorm

/ˈɹeɪnˌstɔɹm/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪnstɔːm/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rainstorm
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a heavy fall of rain that lasts for a short time, often with strong wind and thunder. You stay inside during one to keep dry.

For teachers: a period of heavy rainfall, often accompanied by strong wind, thunder, and lightning.

## Examples

- A sudden rainstorm soaks our clothes on the walk home.
- The afternoon rainstorm floods the streets, so the bus runs late and we wait under the shop roof.
- The rainstorm that swept across the valley overnight left fallen branches on the road and filled the river to its banks.

## Synonyms

downpour, Storm, thunderstorm, deluge, cloudburst

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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.