water that is condensed from the aqueous vapor in the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops more than 1 / 50 in. (0.5 mm) in diameter. Compare drizzle ( def. 6 ) .

a rainfall, rainstorm, or shower

We had a light rain this afternoon.

rains, the rainy season; seasonal rainfall, as in India.

weather marked by steady or frequent rainfall

We had rain most of last summer.

a heavy and continuous descent or inflicting of anything

a rain of blows; a rain of vituperation.

(of rain) to fall (usually used impersonally with it as subject)

It rained all night.

to fall like rain

Tears rained from their eyes.

to send down rain

The lightning flashed and the sky rained on us in torrents.

to send down in great quantities, as small pieces or objects

People on rooftops rained confetti on the parade.

to offer, bestow, or give in great quantity

to rain favors upon a person.

to deal, hurl, fire, etc., repeatedly

to rain blows on someone's head.

rain out, to cause, by raining, the cancellation or postponement of a sports event, performance, or the like

The double-header was rained out yesterday.

rain cats and dogs

Informal . to rain very heavily or steadily

We canceled our picnic because it rained cats and dogs.

adjective

arid , droughty , thirsty