derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō 

plural derechos

: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful straight-line winds that cause widespread destruction

Examples of derecho in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On May 16, 2024, a powerful derecho swept through Houston, killing seven people and causing significant damage to several of the city's towering skyscrapers. —Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025

Zoom in: Once considered a low-risk state for insurers, Iowa has been facing rising premiums ever since a derecho tore across the state in 2020. —Linh Ta, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025

Here's a look at 2024: Hurricane Beryl and the May derecho left many of us without power for days, sparking public outrage and promises from politicians to hold CenterPoint Energy accountable. —Shafaq Patel, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024

The National Weather Service has determined that the storm was a weather event known as a derecho, said meteorologist Jeff Evans. —Juan A. Lozano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, straight (contrasted with tornado, taken to mean "turned"), from Latin directus — more at direct entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for derecho

• deco
• echo
• gecko

Kids Definition

derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho

də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō

plural derechos

: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful winds that move in a straight line and that cause widespread destruction

Etymology

from Spanish, "straight" (opposed to tornado, taken to mean "turned" in Spanish)