jet stream

noun

: a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles (402 kilometers) per hour

Examples of jet stream in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as sound waves or ocean waves can resonate and reinforce each other, atmospheric resonance can happen to undulating jet stream patterns in the upper atmosphere, resulting in weather systems that stay in place for weeks. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2025

What causes a 'heat dome' The heat wave will be triggered by a change in the jet stream pattern, Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said in an online forecast on June 20. —Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 23 June 2025

Blame the 'heat dome' The heat wave will be triggered by a change in the jet stream pattern, Erdman said in an online forecast. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025

The pattern, known as an omega block, is named for the way the jet stream bends into the shape of the Greek letter omega — Ω. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jet stream

• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• daydream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme
• grapheme
• hakim
• hornbeam
• lexeme
• mainstream

Kids Definition

jet stream

noun

: a long narrow wandering current of high-speed winds blowing from a generally westerly direction several miles above the earth's surface