What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
precipitation
Example
The forecast calls for precipitation all day today. [precipitation: noun]
Example
When warm air rises and cools, it can lead to precipitation. [precipitation: noun]
Example
Last month's precipitation was higher than average for this time of year. [precipitation: noun]
rainfall
Example
The rainfall last night was heavy and caused some flooding. [rainfall: noun]
Example
I love the sound of rainfall on the roof when I'm trying to sleep. [rainfall: noun]
Example
The rainfall in this area averages around 40 inches per year. [rainfall: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rainfall is more commonly used than precipitation in everyday language, especially when referring to the amount of rain that falls in a particular area. Precipitation is a more technical term used in scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between precipitation and rainfall?
Precipitation is a more formal term than rainfall, which is more commonly used in informal contexts. However, both terms can be used in formal writing or speech depending on the context.
