downpour
/ˈdaʊn.pɔːr/noun★Intermediate
informal
a heavy, continuous rain
We had to cancel the picnic because of the downpour.
The heavy rain forced them to cancel the outdoor event.
💡
Often used to describe sudden or intense rainfall.
Collocations
sudden downpouran unexpected heavy rainheavy downpourvery intense rainfall
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'downpour' to emphasize the intensity or suddenness of rain.
📖Word Origin
From 'down' (direction) + 'pour' (to flow heavily), first recorded in the 17th century.
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in informal contexts to describe sudden or prolonged heavy rain.
Word Breakdown
down
direction (from above)
prefixpour
to flow heavily
rootEnglish Dictionary