English · Nature & Environment
hail
/heɪl/
[/heɪl/]
falling ice pellets
Intermediatenoun
Definition
Small balls of ice that fall from storm clouds, sometimes large enough to cause damage.
Example
Hail rattled against the windows during the brief but violent summer thunderstorm.
Hail rattled against the windows during the brief but violent summer thunderstorm.
Etymology
From Old English 'hægl', of Germanic origin.
How & Where It’s Used
Distinct from the verb 'hail', meaning to greet or call out to.