tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce tornado (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Oklahoma officials are ensuring access to polling places after deadly tornado threats. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 The Texan counties currently under a tornado watch warning are Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Fennin, Grayson, Hood, Hopkins, Jack, Johnson, Kaufman, Lama, Parker, Palo Pinto, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, Van Zandt, and Wise. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 More severe weather is on the way for Oklahoma after a weekend of destruction caused by heavy rain and a string of tornadoes. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Nocturnal tornadoes are difficult to spot in the darkness and those sleeping may not be aware that danger is near. Chris Boyette, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tornado 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tornado was in 1556

Dictionary Entries Near tornado

Cite this Entry

“Tornado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tornado. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tornado

noun
tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnād-ō How to pronounce tornado (audio)
plural tornadoes or tornados
: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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