twister

noun

twist·​er ˈtwi-stər How to pronounce twister (audio)
1
: one that twists
especially : a ball with a forward and spinning motion
2
: a tornado, waterspout, or dust devil in which the rotatory ascending movement of a column of air is especially apparent

Examples of twister 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.
Most of the twisters this year were on the smaller end of the tornado wind and damage scale. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 June 2026 These worst-case scenario twisters aren’t guaranteed to develop, but there’s a more significant chance than usual for this time of year. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 But twisters in Central Florida’s history did not just hit rural areas. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026 Across the border, Northwest Indiana has recently started feeling the pain of living next door to a twister magnet. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for twister

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of twister was in 1579

Phrases Containing twister

Rhymes for twister

See All Rhymes for twister

Browse Nearby Words

twisted stomach worm
twister
twister-in
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Cite this Entry

“Twister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twister. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

twister

noun
twist·​er ˈtwis-tər How to pronounce twister (audio)
1
: one that twists
2
a
: tornado
b
: waterspout sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on twister

Nglish: Translation of twister for Spanish Speakers

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