Rain is water falling from clouds as drops. When water evaporates from oceans, lakes, and rivers, it rises into the sky and forms clouds. When those clouds get heavy enough, the water falls back down as rain.

Rain is essential for life on Earth. Without it, crops wouldn't grow, rivers would dry up, and forests would turn to desert. Farmers watch the sky hopefully during dry spells, knowing their plants need rain to survive. Some places get rain almost every day, while others might wait months between rainstorms.

As a verb, rain means to fall as rain. It can also mean to fall in large amounts. You might see confetti rain at a celebration, or sparks rain from fireworks. When problems come all at once, people say troubles are raining down on them.

Different types of rain have their own names: a light, gentle rain is a drizzle, while a sudden, heavy rain is a downpour. A rainstorm includes strong winds along with the rain. Some people love the smell of rain on dry ground or the cozy feeling of being inside during a storm, while others prefer sunny days for playing outside.