cloudburst
Definition
Noun: 1. A sudden, very heavy rainfall: A cloudburst is a meteorological event characterized by an intense downpour of rain over a short period of time and a small area. It often occurs unexpectedly and can lead to flash flooding.
Usage
The word "cloudburst" is used to describe an extreme rain event. It functions as a countable noun. * It is typically modified by adjectives like "sudden," "violent," or "torrential." * It is often used in weather reports, news stories about flooding, and descriptive narratives.
Examples
- Noun:
- We were caught in a sudden cloudburst while hiking and got completely soaked.
- The flash flood was caused by a cloudburst in the mountains.
- Meteorologists issued a warning for possible cloudbursts in the region this afternoon.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: Sometimes used metaphorically to describe a sudden, overwhelming outpouring of something non-physical.
- The speaker was met with a cloudburst of applause. (A sudden, loud wave of applause.)
- Her confession was followed by a cloudburst of tears. (A sudden, heavy flow of tears.)
Variants and Related Words
- Downpour (n): A heavy fall of rain. (A very close synonym to cloudburst, though "cloudburst" often implies greater suddenness and intensity.)
- Deluge (n): A severe flood; a great quantity of something arriving at once. (Can be synonymous with cloudburst but also used for larger-scale, prolonged flooding.)
- Torrential rain (n phrase): Rain falling in torrents or very heavily.
Synonyms
- Downpour
- Deluge
- Torrent
- Rainstorm
Antonyms
- Drizzle
- Sprinkle
- Sunshine
- Drought
Related Idioms and Phrases
- (Come) rain or shine: Regardless of the weather or circumstances. (While not containing "cloudburst," it is a common weather-related idiom.)
- The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine.
- It's raining cats and dogs: Raining very heavily. (An informal idiom similar in meaning to a cloudburst.)
- Take an umbrella; it's raining cats and dogs out there!
Noun
-
a heavy rain
