acid rain

noun

: rain that has increased acidity caused by environmental factors (such as atmospheric pollutants)

Examples of acid rain in a Sentence

trees damaged by acid rain
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The city of Tehran is under acid rain. — Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026 Overnight, the smoke coiled upward and gave way to acid rain that stained the city black. — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 Coquina rock is an ancient mixture of shells, sand, and acid rain. — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 The process also completely removed sulfur compounds, preventing emissions of sulfur oxides that contribute to acid rain and air pollution. — New Atlas, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for acid rain

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acid rain was in 1845

Rhymes for acid rain

See All Rhymes for acid rain

Browse Nearby Words

acid radical
acid rain
acid reflux
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acid rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20rain. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

acid rain

noun
: rain with increased acidity that is caused by environmental factors (as atmospheric pollutants)

Medical Definition

acid rain

noun
: acid precipitation especially in the form of rain

More from Merriam-Webster on acid rain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acid rain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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