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

Sunday’s wind speeds are projected to reach up to 22 mph, which the weather service said could be damaging – warning that an isolated tornado could be possible as well. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 16 Aug. 2026

The Pittsburgh area saw multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued on Sunday afternoon as severe weather slammed the region. — Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Earlier this week, severe storms wreaked havoc across other parts of the Midwest, causing tornadoes, heavy rains and flash flooding. — Nbc News, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026

AccuWeather data from April showed Illinois already leading the nation in tornado, hail and high‑wind reports before the destruction last month. — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 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