rain gauge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rain gauge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a device that measures the amount of rainfall in a specific area. Example: "The meteorologist checked the rain gauge to report the total precipitation for the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or try a digital rain gauge.

The New York Times - Tech

"That's a rain gauge," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

* A four-inch plastic rain gauge.

The New York Times - Tech

The next morning the rain gauge has measured 3.2 inches.

The New Yorker

The scoreboard was more like a rain gauge, recording an inexorable increase in one monotonous direction.

The New York Times

In my own rain gauge, in northwestern New Jersey, I had about the same.

The New York Times

Rain rate was measured using a rain gauge.

Earth, Planets and Space

A rain gauge was installed at RISH station.

Earth, Planets and Space

A rain gauge was also located at the site.

CATENA

Radar rainfall fields are sampled by simulated rain gauge networks, stochastically generated with varying rain gauge densities.

Geomorphology

Such short-term field campaigns can be used to identify time stable rain gauge locations for rain gauge network design.

Atmospheric Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific data collection, specify the type of "rain gauge" used (e.g., tipping bucket, digital) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "rain's gauge" when you mean "rain gauge". "Rain gauge" is the correct term for the instrument; "rain's gauge" would imply possession by the rain, which is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rain gauge" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a common noun, referring to a type of measuring instrument. As Ludwig shows, it denotes a specific tool used in meteorology and hydrology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rain gauge" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase, primarily functioning as a noun to denote an instrument for measuring rainfall. As Ludwig shows, it appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. The phrase is well-defined and understood, with synonyms like "pluviometer" offering more technical alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms the term's correctness and usability, further solidifying its place in both technical and general discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pluviometer

A synonym for "rain gauge", offering a more technical term.

rainfall measurement tool

Focuses on the tool used for measuring rainfall, rather than the gauge itself.

udometer

Another synonym for "rain gauge", though less commonly used.

hyetometer

A device used to measure the amount and intensity of rainfall.

precipitation measuring device

Replaces "rain gauge" with a more general term for measuring precipitation.

rainfall recorder

Highlights the recording function of the rain gauge.

rainfall collection instrument

Describes the instrument's function of collecting rainfall for measurement.

device for measuring precipitation

A broader term encompassing any device used for measuring precipitation, not just rain.

weather station rain sensor

Specifies the rain-measuring component of a weather station.

tipping bucket gauge

Refers to a specific type of rain gauge that uses a tipping bucket mechanism.

FAQs

How is a "rain gauge" used in meteorology?

A "rain gauge" is used to measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a set period of time. The data is then used for weather forecasting, climate studies, and hydrological analysis.

What are some alternatives to calling a device a "rain gauge"?

Alternatives include "pluviometer", "hyetometer", or simply "rainfall measurement tool" depending on the context.

How does a digital "rain gauge" differ from a manual one?

A digital "rain gauge" provides automated measurements and often records data electronically, whereas a manual "rain gauge" requires physical reading and recording of the water level.

Where can I find reliable data obtained from a "rain gauge"?

Reliable data is often available from national meteorological agencies, universities with atmospheric science programs, and some weather-related citizen science initiatives.