gullywasher

[ guhl-ee-wosh-er, -waw-sher ]

noun

, Chiefly Midland and Western U.S.

1. a usually short, heavy rainstorm.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gullywasher¹

First recorded in 1900–05; gully ¹ + washer

Example Sentences

The renovation work involved constructing dozens of pools, dams and waterfalls along a stream bed designed to catch and slow down gullywashers, preventing erosion.

From Washington Post