rainforest

noun

rain·​for·​est ˈrān-ˌfȯr-əst 

-ˌfär-

variants or less commonly rain forest

plural rainforests also rain forests

1

: a tropical woodland with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches (254 centimeters) and marked by lofty broad-leaved evergreen trees forming a continuous canopy

called also tropical rainforest

2

: temperate rainforest

Examples of rainforest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Interiors of wood paneling and glass convey an almost Scandi vibe and are surrounded by lush rainforest to the back and breathtaking ocean views to the front. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Protecting Indigenous and traditional territories is one of the most effective ways to preserve the rainforest. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

According to the nonprofit organization World Wildlife Fund, about 17 percent of the rainforest has been deforested, and about one-third of what remains has been degraded, including from the impacts of extreme drought. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest hit a record high under former President Bolsonaro. — Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rainforest

• temperate rainforest
• tropical rainforest

Rhymes for rainforest

• aorist
• deforest
• chorused
• forest
• sorest

Kids Definition

rain forest

noun

1

: an often tropical woodland with a high annual rainfall and very tall evergreen trees with tops forming a continuous layer

called also tropical rain forest

2

: temperate rain forest