downpour

noun

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

Synonyms of downpour

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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.
Deserts are prone to flash floods because there is little soil or vegetation to absorb downpours. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 Born in Nigeria, brother and sister Alohan and Ivie were children when they were forced to cope with the murder of their father, a rainmaker who couldn’t prevent a downpour at a local wedding. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The news out of Alaska shows how cloud seeding plays out — usually as a drizzle or a flurry, not a downpour. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Clear days can give way quickly to thunderstorms and downpours. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

downplay
downpour
downrange
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Cite this Entry

“Downpour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downpour. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

downpour

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