rainy

[ rey-nee ]

adjective

, rain·i·er, rain·i·est.

1. characterized by rain:

   rainy weather; a rainy region.

2. wet with rain:

   rainy streets.

3. bringing rain:

   rainy clouds.

rainy

/ ˈreɪnɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by a large rainfall

   a rainy climate

2. wet or showery; bearing rain

Derived Forms

• ˈrainily, adverb
• ˈraininess, noun

Other Words From

• raini·ly adverb
• raini·ness noun
• un·rainy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rainy¹

before 1000; Middle English reyny, Old English rēnig. See rain, -y ¹

Example Sentences

But it’s remains unclear what, if anything, this monster storm could indicate about the rest of California’s rainy season, though it could be the start of a brief stretch of slightly wetter weather.

From Los Angeles Times

The balanced budget outlook through 2025-26 also relies on $7 billion from the state’s rainy day fund, which Newsom and lawmakers previously agreed upon, and continuing to limit corporate tax deductions and credits.

From Los Angeles Times

Again, Landau points to previous research to explain why dry or rainy conditions might prime weeds to be less responsive to herbicides.

From Science Daily

On a rainy November night Lindsay Rimer walked the short route from her home to a local shop to buy breakfast cereal.

From BBC

It was only taken out of idle curiosity one rainy winter’s day – but the shocking result of a DNA test was to force two women and their families to reassess everything they knew about themselves.

From BBC

Related Words

• damp
• moist
• stormy
• wet