tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce tornado (audio)
plural tornadoes or tornados
Synonyms of tornadonext
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
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.
Damaging winds and large hail will remain the primary hazards, although an isolated tornado will also be possible. — Daniel Amarante, ABC News, 26 July 2026 Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, large hail and damaging straight-line winds depend on small-scale atmospheric processes that global climate models still struggle to represent accurately. — Deepti Singh, The Conversation, 24 July 2026 When the tornado hit Ransom Canyon last season, Lauren was trying to leave Kit and Lucas’ trailer to go shelter at the high school when a tree crashed down on her car and pinned her in there, hurting her ankle. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 24 July 2026 The National Weather Service predicts severe weather on the East Coast with the potential for flooding and tornadoes. — Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 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

Rhymes for tornado

See All Rhymes for tornado

Browse Nearby Words

tornadic
tornado
Tornado Alley
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tornado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tornado. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on tornado

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tornado

Nglish: Translation of tornado for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tornado

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