derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō How to pronounce derecho (audio)
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
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.
Frustration with CenterPoint was mounting during what was just the latest electricity crisis — in May, an intense storm known as a derecho also caused about 1 million power outages, some of which took six days to restore. Scott Dance, Washington Post, 11 July 2024 The plant closed in 2020 after sustaining damage during a derecho, a fast, powerful thunderstorm. Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Downed trees and strong winds toppled neighborhood power lines, and the May derecho even felled some massive transmission towers, warping them into twisted metal. Ella Nilsen, CNN, 12 July 2024 Although there already were efforts to grow shorter corn, the demand for innovations by private companies such as Bayer and academic scientists soared after an intense windstorm — called a derecho — plowed through the Midwest in August 2020. Erin Prater, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derecho 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of derecho was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near derecho

Cite this Entry

“Derecho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derecho. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

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)

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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