rainwater

¹

[ reyn-waw-ter, -wot-er ]

noun

1. water fallen as rain.

Rainwater

²

[ reyn-waw-ter, -wot-er ]

noun

1. (Leo) James, 1917–86, U.S. physicist: Nobel Prize 1975.

rainwater

/ ˈreɪnˌwɔːtə /

noun

1. water from rain (as distinguished from spring water, tap water, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rainwater¹

before 1000; Middle English rein water, Old English regn-wæter; rain, water

Example Sentences

She has advocated for removing concrete and pavement in parts of the watershed to naturally capture rainwater and recharge groundwater.

From Los Angeles Times

A lack of rainfall throughout the rest of the year has left the ground in many areas of eastern and southern Spain unable to absorb rainwater efficiently.

From BBC

For years, Winter has worked to promote “urban acupuncture” through small-scale projects on residential properties that capture rainwater and allow it to infiltrate into the soil.

From Los Angeles Times

A surveyor’s report shows how rainwater penetrated the house leading to the damp, mould and dry rot.

From BBC

An acre-sized lath house provided shade for tender seedlings, and an innovative rainwater collection system provided water for irrigation six months of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drink
• rain