tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō 

plural tornadoes or tornados

1

a

: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land

b

: a squall accompanying a thunderstorm in Africa

2

: a violent windstorm : whirlwind

3

archaic : a tropical thunderstorm

Examples of tornado in a Sentence

in the path of a tornado

Recent Examples on the Web

The National Weather Service is forecasting tornadoes and thunderstorms, heavy rain, and wind in many regions. —Kristin Wright, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024

She's written about hurricanes, tornadoes and violent weather for more than 30 years. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024

Filled with an inert gas, they are made to withstand tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or unauthorized entry. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2024

Heavy damage from natural phenomena — tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires — has been on the rise for decades. —Erik Sherman, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish tronada thunderstorm, from tronar to thunder, from Latin tonare — more at thunder entry 1

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnād-ō 

plural tornadoes or tornados

: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land