Definition

Noun A short, light period of rain. It describes a brief episode of precipitation, often starting and stopping suddenly, and is typically less intense and of shorter duration than steady rain.

Usage

The term "rain shower" is used to describe a specific type of weather event. It emphasizes the temporary and often scattered nature of the rainfall. It is a standard term in weather forecasts and everyday descriptions.

Examples

• The forecast calls for sunny spells with occasional rain showers this afternoon.
• We were caught in a sudden rain shower but it only lasted for ten minutes.
• A passing rain shower cooled the air after a hot day.

Advanced Usage

• Meteorological Context: In weather terminology, "showers" imply precipitation that is intermittent and not widespread, often from convective clouds like cumulus. "Rain shower" specifies the precipitation type as liquid rain, as opposed to "snow showers" or "hail showers."
• Figurative Use: While less common, "a shower of rain" can be used in literary contexts to evoke a sudden, brief event.

Variants and Related Words

• Shower (noun): Can be used alone to mean "rain shower" in weather contexts (e.g., "scattered showers"). It also has other common meanings (e.g., a device for bathing, a party with gifts).
• Downpour (noun): A heavy, intense fall of rain, typically of longer duration than a shower.
• Drizzle (noun): Light rain falling in very fine, mist-like drops, often more persistent than a shower.

Synonyms

• Rainfall (brief)
• Precipitation (brief)
• Sprinkle

Antonyms

• Drought
• Dry spell
• Steady rain

Related Phrases

• Passing shower: A shower that moves through an area quickly.
  • Don't worry, it's just a passing shower; the sun will be back soon.
• Scattered showers: Showers occurring here and there across a region, not affecting every location.
  • The weather map shows scattered showers across the county.

Noun

1. a brief period of precipitation
   • the game was interrupted by a brief shower