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
The peak of tornado season in Wisconsin occurs between May through August, with June having the largest number of tornadoes.
—
Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024
Everything from heavy rainfall to possible tornadoes are in play.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2024
The severe weather will stretch from Texas to Indiana, with the highest threat for tornadoes in Missouri and Illinois.
—Max Golembo, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024
Young Dorothy Gale is transported, via magical tornado, to the Wonderful World of Oz, an acid trip of a town full of kindly creatures under the cruel rule of the Wicked Witch of the West.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2024
What to know during severe weather How to stay safe during a tornado
Tornadoes develop rapidly, so planning a safety plan ahead of time is important.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2024
Michigan Michigan taxpayers hit by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding last August have until June 17 to file and pay.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Nighttime tornadoes are twice as likely to be deadly as those that occur during the day, a 2022 study found.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024
The National Weather Service is also monitoring what appears to be a low chance for tornado spin-ups, said Adrian Lopez, a meteorologist for NWS Louisville.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024
Everything from heavy rainfall to possible tornadoes are in play.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2024
The severe weather will stretch from Texas to Indiana, with the highest threat for tornadoes in Missouri and Illinois.
—Max Golembo, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024
Young Dorothy Gale is transported, via magical tornado, to the Wonderful World of Oz, an acid trip of a town full of kindly creatures under the cruel rule of the Wicked Witch of the West.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2024
What to know during severe weather How to stay safe during a tornado
Tornadoes develop rapidly, so planning a safety plan ahead of time is important.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2024
Michigan Michigan taxpayers hit by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding last August have until June 17 to file and pay.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Nighttime tornadoes are twice as likely to be deadly as those that occur during the day, a 2022 study found.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024
The National Weather Service is also monitoring what appears to be a low chance for tornado spin-ups, said Adrian Lopez, a meteorologist for NWS Louisville.
—Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tornado.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tornado
Cite this Entry
“Tornado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tornado. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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