rainmaker

noun

rain·​mak·​er ˈrān-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce rainmaker (audio)
1
: a person who produces or attempts to produce rain by artificial means
2
: a person (such as a partner in a law firm) who brings in new business
also : a person whose influence can initiate progress or ensure success
rainmaking noun

Examples of rainmaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025 Regardless of development, the area of disturbed weather is expected to be a rainmaker in the region. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 July 2025 The phrase describes a pyramid structure where a handful of rainmakers at the top bring in clients and hand over the bulk of the work to a second tier of senior lawyers, who in turn oversee a larger pool of associates. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 26 June 2025 Key lawyers and rainmakers are joining firms that have held their ground. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rainmaker

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rainmaker was in 1775

Cite this Entry

“Rainmaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rainmaker. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

rainmaker

noun
rain·​mak·​er ˈrān-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce rainmaker (audio)
: a person (as a partner in a law firm) who brings in new business
rainmaking noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!