torrential
adjective
tor·ren·tial
tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl 
tə-
1
a
: relating to or having the character of a torrent
torrential rains
b
: caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams
torrential gravel
2
: resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow
Examples of torrential in a Sentence
The rain caused torrential flooding.
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the New York Times, the Category 5 hurricane is expected to make landfall later today, Tuesday, October 28, with authorities warning of torrential rain, severe flooding and storm surges reaching up to 13 feet along the island’s southern coast.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with the strength of a Category 5 storm bringing 180 mph winds, torrential rain and flooding.
—CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Melissa’s slow movement is compounding the threat, allowing torrential rainfall to accumulate across Jamaica.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
The multi-day event of torrential rainfall is expected to cause catastrophic and life-threatening flooding, as well as destructive winds and life-threatening storm surge through Tuesday.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torrential
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with the strength of a Category 5 storm bringing 180 mph winds, torrential rain and flooding.
—CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Melissa’s slow movement is compounding the threat, allowing torrential rainfall to accumulate across Jamaica.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
The multi-day event of torrential rainfall is expected to cause catastrophic and life-threatening flooding, as well as destructive winds and life-threatening storm surge through Tuesday.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torrential
Cite this Entry
“Torrential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrential. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
torrential
adjective
tor·ren·tial
tȯ-ˈren-chəl
tə-
: relating to or resembling a torrent
torrential rains
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