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noun

rainwater

Rainwater (noun) means water that has fallen as rain, especially before it drains into rivers, lakes, or the sea. Example: “They collect rainwater in a barrel to water the garden.”

noun
1
Water that has fallen as rain, especially before it drains into rivers, lakes, or the sea.
"They collect rainwater in a barrel to water the garden."
"A puddle of rainwater had formed at the bottom of the steps."

How to Use Rainwater

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWater that comes from rain, often collected for reuse rather than taken from a tap or river.

Common pairings
collect rainwater rainwater tank rainwater harvesting

Word Forms

rainwaters plural, Rainwaters plural

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Test yourself on “rainwater” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

They collect _____ in a barrel to water the garden.

Etymology

A simple compound of "rain" and "water" going back to Old English regnwæter.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for rainwater

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “rainwater” mean?

The word “rainwater” means water that has fallen as rain, especially before it drains into rivers, lakes, or the sea. In plain terms, water that comes from rain, often collected for reuse rather than taken from a tap or river.

How do you use “rainwater” in a sentence?

Here is “rainwater” used in a sentence: “They collect rainwater in a barrel to water the garden.”

What part of speech is “rainwater”?

“Rainwater” is a noun.

Where does the word “rainwater” come from?

The word “rainwater” comes from Old English. A simple compound of "rain" and "water" going back to Old English regnwæter.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial