downpour

noun

down·​pour ˈdau̇n-ˌpȯr How to pronounce downpour (audio)
Synonyms of downpournext
: a pouring or streaming downward
especially : a heavy rain

Synonyms of downpour

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of downpour in a Sentence

the downpour was so heavy that we were soaked by the time we got to the car
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With plenty of moisture in place, some storms could produce heavy downpours and localized flooding in spots. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Mary’s gown billowed in the wind; in fact, the whole illustration showed the storm, from the water breaking against the monastery to the kneeling pilgrims, bundled for warmth, waiting out the downpour on the shore. — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 And heavy downpours—which are increasing as the planet warms—are too forceful to trap the tiny air bubbles required to launch the scent into the air. — Gregory Wakeman, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026 During the Malaysian Grand Prix's previous run from 1999-2017, the track became notorious for sudden downpours which made for thrilling races and some unexpected results. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downpour

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downpour was in 1801

Browse Nearby Words

downplay
downpour
downrange
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downpour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downpour. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

downpour

noun
down·​pour -ˌpōr How to pronounce downpour (audio)
-ˌpȯr
: a heavy rain
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All