Definition

An event that has been canceled or postponed due to rain, especially in sports or outdoor activities.

Example

The baseball game was a rainout, so we will have to reschedule it for next week.

Conversation

Did you hear about the game being a rainout this weekend?

Yeah, I was really looking forward to it!

Same here, it’s such a bummer when that happens.

I know, but maybe they'll reschedule it for next week.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rainout → The word is formed from "rain" (from Old English "regn", meaning water droplets falling from the sky) and "out" (meaning outside or away). The term "rainout" refers to an event, such as a game, being canceled due to rain, indicating that the rain has affected the situation outside.

Memory Tip

Think of rain falling from the sky ('rain') and affecting something happening outside ('out') — that's why a rainout means an event canceled due to rain.

Visually Confused Words