noun

rainmaker

RAYN-may-kuh

Rainmaker (noun) means a person or ritual believed to cause rain to fall, especially through traditional or ceremonial means. Example: “The village elders called on the local rainmaker during the drought.”

noun

A person or ritual believed to cause rain to fall, especially through traditional or ceremonial means.

"The village elders called on the local rainmaker during the drought."

Informally, someone in business who is highly skilled at bringing in clients, deals, or money for their company.

"The law firm's top rainmaker brought in three major clients last quarter."

"She was seen as the firm's rainmaker, always closing the big accounts."

How to use rainmaker

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (traditionally) who tries to bring rain, or (in business slang) someone who reliably brings in money and deals.

Memory tip

In modern usage you'll most often meet this word in a business or office context, meaning a star earner or dealmaker.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

top rainmaker the firm's rainmaker

Word forms

rainmakers plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The village elders called on the local _____ during the drought.

Etymology

From "rain" + "maker" — originally someone who claimed to summon rain, later extended to anyone who "makes things happen" for a business.

Rhymes for rainmaker

maker baker taker laker faker Quaker shaker beaker speaker breaker tweaker sneaker

See all rhymes for rainmaker →

Frequently asked questions

What does “rainmaker” mean?

The word “rainmaker” means a person or ritual believed to cause rain to fall, especially through traditional or ceremonial means. In plain terms, someone (traditionally) who tries to bring rain, or (in business slang) someone who reliably brings in money and deals.

How do you pronounce “rainmaker”?

“Rainmaker” is pronounced RAYN-may-kuh (/ˈɹeɪnˌmeɪkɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “rainmaker” in a sentence?

Here is “rainmaker” used in a sentence: “The village elders called on the local rainmaker during the drought.”

What part of speech is “rainmaker”?

“Rainmaker” is a noun.

How many meanings does “rainmaker” have?

“Rainmaker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or ritual believed to cause rain to fall, especially through traditional or ceremonial means.