rainy
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈeɪni/
US
- /ˈreɪni/
Description
- wet
- full of rain
- showery
- gray and wet
- with frequent rain
"Rainy" describes weather with a lot of rain, or a time when rain happens often. It brings to mind gray skies, wet streets, umbrellas, and plans that may need to move indoors. A rainy day can feel calm and cozy, but it can also be annoying if you wanted to be outside.
The word usually describes days, seasons, afternoons, or places where rain is common. You might say, "It was a rainy weekend," or "They visited during the rainy season." You would not usually use it for a moment with only a few drops. It suggests rain that lasts for a while or comes again and again.
The word "rainy" describes weather that includes a lot of rain, or a period when rain happens often. It is not just about one exact moment. Instead, it usually paints a wider picture: a rainy afternoon, a rainy week, or a rainy season. When someone says, "It was a rainy spring," they mean that rain was common throughout that time.
It is most often used for times and places. You can talk about a rainy day, a rainy evening, a rainy month, or a rainy region. It fits naturally with ideas like travel, climate, and daily plans: a rainy forecast, a rainy holiday, or a rainy city. The word does not tell you exactly how hard the rain is. The rain might be light and steady, or it might come in strong showers. If you want to be more exact, English usually adds another word, such as "light rain," "steady rain," or "heavy rain," rather than saying "lightly rainy" or "heavily rainy."
"Rainy" can also help create a feeling in writing. A rainy street or a rainy afternoon may suggest something quiet, cozy, sad, or gloomy, depending on the context. Still, the core meaning stays tied to weather. The common idiom "save for a rainy day" uses the image of bad weather to mean a difficult time in the future, when extra money might be needed.
Overall, "rainy" is a simple, common adjective for weather that is wet because rain is falling often or for a long enough time to shape the day, season, or place being described.
Examples
- 1
Indoor plans
We stayed inside all afternoon because it was rainy and cold.
- 2
Weather forecast
The forecast says tomorrow will be rainy, so bring a jacket.
- 3
Local climate
Spring is usually quite rainy here.
- 4
Travel season
They traveled during the rainy season and had to change their plans twice.
- 5
Quiet mood
I love quiet, rainy afternoons when I can read by the window.
- 6
Future savings
We try to save a little money for a rainy day.
Phrase
for a rainy day
for a future time when you need extra money
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rainyadjective
Forms
- rainiercomparativeadjective
- rainiestsuperlativeadjective