bomb cyclone

noun

plural bomb cyclones

meteorology

: a powerful, rapidly intensifying storm associated with a sudden and significant drop in atmospheric pressure

Tens of thousands of utility workers were working over the weekend after the muscular storm—known as a "bomb cyclone" for its rapid pressure drop—battered neighborhoods from Virginia to Maine.

—Rick Jervis

As incoming air rises around the center of the storm, it gets carried off by the jet stream and that increases the speed of the incoming air. The faster the air moves, the faster the barometric pressure drops. In a really severe nor'easter, the pressure can drop 24 millibars in 24 hours. This is known as a "bomb cyclone."

—Clay Thompson

compare bombogenesis

Examples of bomb cyclone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Northeast is reeling from a historic bomb cyclone that swept the region overnight Sunday and throughout Monday, dumping more than two feet of snow across several states. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026

The Blizzard of ’26 was tapering off Monday afternoon after reaching bomb cyclone status overnight Sunday and dumping up to 2 feet of snow onto much of the tristate area. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026

The storm could possibly meet the definition of a bomb cyclone, said Frank Pereira, another weather service meteorologist. —Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026

Extreme nor'easters are usually bomb cyclones. —CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bomb cyclone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone