tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō 

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

There's a chance for large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for tornado warnings. —Joseph Dames, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

One of the tornadoes southeast of Iowa City was only a few feet wide. —Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2026

If strong thunderstorms sweep into the region, the weather service reports severe hail — more than an inch in size — and weak tornados could materialize. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026

The rain and gusty winds also could bring small hail and the possibility of a waterspout or small tornado, according to the weather service. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for tornado

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnād-ō 

plural tornadoes or tornados

: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land