What does rain mean?
Rain is the water that falls from clouds in drops, usually as a brief shower, a steady rainfall, or a heavy downpour. As a verb, it describes this falling weather and is also used figuratively when someone gives or directs something in abundance, such as questions, gifts, or criticism. The word is common in both British and American English and appears in expressions involving forecasts, umbrellas, flooding, and taking shelter. Although rain is often associated with unpleasant weather, it can also have positive associations with renewal, fertility, and relief from drought. Its figurative uses make it especially useful for describing an intense or unceasing flow of words, blows, or problems.
Liquid water that falls from clouds in drops, or the weather condition in which it falls.
"The farmers welcomed the rain after weeks of dry weather."
When used in a countable sense, “a rain” may refer to a particular fall of rain; the plural “rains” often refers to rainy seasons or repeated periods of rain.
To fall as rain, or to give or direct something in large amounts.
"It began to rain just as the match ended."
The figurative sense is especially common in phrases such as “rain questions,” “rain compliments,” and “rain abuse.”
The plural is used for individual falls of rain or, more commonly, for rainy seasons and periods of rainfall.
"The monsoon rains transformed the dry landscape into a patchwork of green fields."
The English word rain is an ancient Germanic survivor, and it also gave us everyday expressions such as “rain check” and “take a rain check.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rain come from?
Rain comes from Old English rān, a Germanic word inherited through Proto-Germanic *regnaz, meaning rain or moisture. The modern English form developed from the Old English noun, while the verb meaning “to fall as rain” developed from the related Old English verb rīnan. English compounds such as rainbow, raindrop, and rainfall preserve the same native word element, while the word is related more broadly to Germanic vocabulary concerning rain and water.
Related word forms
How rain is actually used
The noun is standard in British and American English. The verb is commonly used figuratively, as in “rain compliments,” and the expression “take a rain check” means to postpone an offer or activity until another time.
Easily confused with rain
Rain is water falling from the clouds, whereas a reign is a period of rule by a monarch.