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Definition of cloudburst

cloudburst

/ˈklaʊdˌbɝːst/
cloud · burst
Plural:cloudbursts
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cloudburst Lexical Profile

cloudburst Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sudden, violent rainstorm that falls rapidly over a localized area for a short period of time.

Example

"The hikers sought shelter under a rocky overhang when a sudden cloudburst drenched the mountain trail."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

clothmaking
cloud
cloudberry
cloudburst
cloudcap
cloudcap falls
clouded

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century as a compound of 'cloud' and 'burst', possibly modeled on the German word 'Wolkenbruch', reflecting the popular folk belief that a raincloud is like a water-filled bladder that can suddenly rupture.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cloudburst. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cloudburst
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