noun
rainmaker
RAYN-may-kuh
noun
1
A person or ritual believed to cause rain to fall, especially through traditional or ceremonial means.
"The village elders called on the local rainmaker during the drought."
2
Informally, someone in business who is highly skilled at bringing in clients, deals, or money for their company.
"The law firm's top rainmaker brought in three major clients last quarter."
"She was seen as the firm's rainmaker, always closing the big accounts."
How to Use Rainmaker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (traditionally) who tries to bring rain, or (in business slang) someone who reliably brings in money and deals.
Memory tip
In modern usage you'll most often meet this word in a business or office context, meaning a star earner or dealmaker.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
top rainmaker
the firm's rainmaker
Word Forms
rainmakers plural
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The village elders called on the local _____ during the drought.
Etymology
From "rain" + "maker" — originally someone who claimed to summon rain, later extended to anyone who "makes things happen" for a business.