twister

noun

twist·​er ˈtwi-stər 

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

In 2024, the state has already experienced more than 90 tornadoes — more than double the number of twisters Oklahoma would ordinarily see at this point in the year. —Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 28 May 2024

Drone footage of the damage captured by professional storm chasers Reed Timmer and Mike Scantlin showed the massive twister tearing through the town. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 25 May 2024

Video of the direct hit on the wind farm near Greenfield, Iowa, showed frightening images of the violent twister ripping through the countryside, uprooting trees, damaging buildings and sending dirt and debris high into the air. —Sean Murphy, Fortune, 23 May 2024

The twister moved northeast through Prairie Village toward Fairway, according to the NWS, before ending near Mission Hills at 10:50 p.m.. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing twister

• tongue twister

Kids Definition

twister

noun

twist·​er ˈtwis-tər 

1

: one that twists

2

a

: tornado

b

: waterspout sense 2