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

torrentially

tȯ-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

tə-

adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.

Recent Examples on the Web

The iconic route has been closed to the public since March 30, when torrential rains pounded the coast and a section of the southbound lane near the Rocky Creek Bridge collapsed, about 12 miles south of Carmel. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2024

At least three people were killed overnight as powerful storms ripped through the central and eastern United States, bringing torrential rain, hail and even tornadoes. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl 

tə-

: relating to or resembling a torrent

torrential rains

torrentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb