Crossword Genius

Noise the rain makes in Niger? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reign

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in niger?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

'noise the rain' is the wordplay.
'noise' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'rain' sounds like 'REIGN'.

'makes' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reign that I've seen before include "Hold sway, rule" , "Monarch's period" , "Prevail" , "Control" , "Rule as king or queen" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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