storm cellar

noun

: a cellar or covered excavation designed for protection from dangerous windstorms (such as tornadoes)

Examples of storm cellar 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.
But no one ever answers the nagging question of why all these people living in an area regularly hammered by tornadoes never seem to have a basement or storm cellar to flee to. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 July 2024 For optimal protection, choose basements, storm cellars and inner rooms away from doors, windows and outer walls. Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 May 2024 Going to a basement, safe room or storm cellar is best. Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 24 May 2024 Now what? Basements and storm cellars are the safest locations. Ellie Wolfe, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2023 The lyrics tell the story of a daughter sheltering herself in a storm cellar from a tornado and her alcoholic father. Irene Richardson, Country Living, 5 Oct. 2022 For most of us, getting back into the swing of social life feels a bit like coming out of the storm cellar after a tornado. Jeanne Martinet, CNN, 14 June 2021 The more adventurous might be invited down into the home’s dungeon, its black storm cellar doors pitched against the house near the back door. R. Daniel Foster, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2019 On a cool July morning, one of the dungeon’s black storm cellar doors was propped open for the first time during several days of visits. R. Daniel Foster, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of storm cellar was circa 1902

Dictionary Entries Near storm cellar

Cite this Entry

“Storm cellar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storm%20cellar. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on storm cellar

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!