Definition

Adjective 1. Characterized by brief periods of rain: Describes weather conditions that feature intermittent or scattered rain showers, rather than continuous precipitation. 2. Producing or bringing showers: Can describe something that causes or is associated with showers, typically of rain.

Usage

The adjective "showery" is used almost exclusively to describe weather, climate, or specific periods of time (like days or mornings). It indicates that rain falls in distinct, often short-lived bursts with possible breaks of dry or clearer weather in between.

Examples

• The forecast predicts showery conditions throughout the afternoon, so take an umbrella.
• April is often a showery month, with sudden downpours followed by sunshine.
• We had a showery day at the beach, but we managed to swim between the rains.
• The showery weather made the garden lush and green.

Advanced Usage

• "Showery" vs. "Rainy": While both involve rain, "rainy" often implies more persistent, steady rain. "Showery" specifically implies variability and intermittency.
  • It was a rainy week (suggests a lot of rain, possibly continuous).
  • It was a showery week (suggests frequent but separate periods of rain).

Variants and Related Words

• Shower (noun): A brief and usually light fall of rain, hail, sleet, or snow.
  • We got caught in a heavy shower.
• Shower (verb): To fall or pour down in a shower; to bathe under a shower.
  • It began to shower just as we left.

Synonyms

• Intermittent rain
• Scattered showers (a common weather forecast phrase)
• Unsettled (in a weather context, meaning periods of rain and sun)

Adjective

1. (of weather) wet by periods of rain
   • showery weather
   • rainy days