cloudburst

[ kloud-burst ]

noun

1. a sudden and very heavy rainfall.

cloudburst

/ ˈklaʊdˌbɜːst /

noun

1. a heavy downpour

Word History and Origins

Origin of cloudburst¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20; cloud + burst

Example Sentences

After a heavy cloudburst forecast for Wednesday afternoon or night that could bring another few inches of rain, Southern California was expected to begin drying out Thursday and heading for a sunny weekend.

From Seattle Times

The flash flood was triggered by a cloudburst, which caused the South Lhonak glacial lake to burst its banks.

From BBC

This was the dampest of damp nights on Tyneside, with a torrential cloudburst delivering a freezing cold shower all over Newcastle United's Champions League aspirations.

From BBC

Some say it may have resulted from a cloudburst, while others say there was no such heavy concentrated rainfall.

From BBC

The Lhonak Lake burst its banks on Wednesday after a cloudburst triggered torrential rains and an apparent avalanche, causing major flooding in the Teesta river.

From Reuters