cloudburst

noun

cloud·​burst ˈklau̇d-ˌbərst How to pronounce cloudburst (audio)
Synonyms of cloudburstnext
1
: a sudden copious rainfall
2
: a sudden outpouring : deluge
a cloudburst of anger

Synonyms of cloudburst

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Examples of cloudburst in a Sentence

A cloudburst caused the river to flood. the weatherman warned of possible cloudbursts in the afternoon
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.
In 2021, flash flooding triggered by a cloudburst killed over 200. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025 The whole experience tasted of the sea and the end of summer, punctuated by soft little cloudbursts on the palate. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025 Warmer air soaks up water like a sponge, and all this extra moisture can result in extreme rain and sudden downpours like cloudbursts, especially when that air meets the mountains. — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 Higher temperatures allow the air to hold more moisture, and extreme rainfall events called cloudbursts are occurring more frequently. — Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloudburst

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cloudburst was in 1869

Rhymes for cloudburst

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Browse Nearby Words

cloud-built
cloudburst
cloudcap
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Cite this Entry

“Cloudburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cloudburst. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cloudburst

noun
cloud·​burst ˈklau̇d-ˌbərst How to pronounce cloudburst (audio)
: a sudden heavy rainfall

More from Merriam-Webster on cloudburst

Nglish: Translation of cloudburst for Spanish Speakers

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