WordGarden.iodownpour
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈaʊnpɔː/
US
- /ˈdaʊnpɔr/
Meanings
Noun
a sudden heavy fall of rain
Beyond the definition
A downpour is not just ordinary rain; it is rain that suddenly falls very hard. Imagine you are walking outside and, all at once, the sky opens and the rain comes down so fast and heavily that you run for cover. That is a downpour. It often suggests strong rain over a short time, though it can last longer. You often get a downpour during a thunderstorm or when rough weather moves through.
The word also has a vivid, story-like feel. It can make a scene feel sudden, noisy, and intense. Writers sometimes use it to set the mood or compare it to a strong rush of feeling or events.
A downpour refers to a sudden and intense fall of rain, typically characterized by large raindrops and a heavy volume of water. It's more than just rainfall; it implies a forceful, almost overwhelming deluge. While "rain" is a general term, "downpour" suggests a dramatic event—the sky seemingly emptying its contents in a short period.
You might experience a downpour during a summer thunderstorm, when warm, moist air rises rapidly and condenses into heavy clouds. They are also common with frontal systems, where warm and cold air masses collide. Downpours can cause flash floods if the ground cannot absorb the water quickly enough.
The word carries a vivid image of sheets of rain obscuring vision and drumming loudly on rooftops. It's often used in literature to create atmosphere or symbolize emotional intensity. For example, "A downpour began just as she confessed her secret, mirroring the storm within her heart." Or, "Despite the downpour, the crowd cheered wildly."
While a light shower might be refreshing, a downpour is usually disruptive—forcing people indoors and potentially causing damage. It's a powerful display of nature's force, reminding us of its unpredictable beauty and potential for chaos. So next time you find yourself caught in a sudden, heavy rain, remember: that's not just rain, that's a downpour.
Examples
- 1
Shelter
We waited under the shop awning until the downpour eased.
- 2
Getting soaked
I got caught in a downpour on the way home and arrived soaked.
- Phrasecaught in a downpour
suddenly be outside in very heavy rain
- 3
Flash flooding
A sudden downpour flooded the market in less than ten minutes.
- 4
Seasonal weather
Summer afternoons here are usually sunny, but short downpours are common.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- cloudburst
- shower
- torrential rain
Contrast
- drizzle
- dry spell
Used with (collocations)
- caught in a downpour
- sudden downpour
- heavy downpour
- torrential downpour
Explore
- precipitation
- flash flooding
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- downpournoun