downpour

noun

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

Examples of downpour in a Sentence

the downpour was so heavy that we were soaked by the time we got to the car
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.
Here’s your guide from the NWS to staying safe during downpours: Beware of rapid water flow: In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger. Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025 More patchy showers will fall Thursday, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to warn that the downpour could increase the chance of debris flow in the areas of the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles that were scorched in January. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025 In this case recent wildfires were followed by downpours of rain, leaving parts of Southern California vulnerable to mudslides, mudflows, and landslides. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 California Intense, localized downpours possible into Monday in L.A.; how much rain has fallen so far? Jan. 26, 2025 Rainfall rates of 0.39 of an inch per hour were reported near Pepperdine University around 8:15 p.m., the weather service said. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Downpour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downpour. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

downpour

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

More from Merriam-Webster on downpour

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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