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, any wind can always elevate fire concerns, he said, especially when humidity is low and the rainy season has barely kicked off.

From Los Angeles Times

Hot, dry weather boosts the risk of wildfires and kills vegetation, increasing soil erosion and making rock art sites more prone to flooding during the rainy season, as researchers in nearby Namibia have found.

From Science Magazine

On a rainy mid-September morning, a small TV attached to a mostly blank white wall played silently.

From Salon

A rainy start to the week from the remnants of an atmospheric river storm that surged across the state may turn roads slippery for motorists driving throughout Southern California on Monday and Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

As the rainy winter weather begins, humanitarian officials say solving the worsening situation is critical to meet the huge, deepening needs of most of Gaza’s 2.3 million population - now displaced to the centre and south.

From BBC

Related Words

• damp
• moist
• stormy
• wet