cyclone

noun cy·clone \ ˈsī-ˌklōn \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of cyclone

1 a : a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain

b : tornado

c : ⁴low 1b

2 : any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (such as solid particles from gases)

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cyclonic

play \sī-ˈklä-nik\ adjective

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cyclonically

play \sī-ˈklä-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See cyclone defined for English-language learners

See cyclone defined for kids

Recent Examples of cyclone from the Web

Scientists have been predicting that cyclones will move more slowly as the world warms and tropical air circulation patterns—which ferry storms from one place to another—weaken.

— katie langin, Science | AAAS, "Hurricanes are slowing down, wreaking havoc on coastal communities," 6 June 2018
The cyclone packed maximum sustained winds of 170-180 kilometers (105-111 miles) per hour with gusts of up to 200 kph (124 mph).

— Fox News, "Death toll in Oman, Yemen from Cyclone Mekunu rises to 30," 3 June 2018
Alberto is expected to strengthen through Monday morning, NHC forecasters said, possibly organizing into more of a traditional cyclone with little wind shear to combat development.

— roger simmons, OrlandoSentinel.com, "As Alberto moves north, Tropical Storm warning issued for part of Florida; Orlando in flood watch," 27 May 2018
In a Facebook post Monday evening, meteorologist Bryan Norcross said the system looks very similar to another Gulf storm that briefly threatened to become a cyclone last week, with heavy moisture being pulled from the south.

— jenny staletovich, miamiherald, "Will this system in the Gulf become a tropical storm? There's a better chance of that," 22 May 2018
If Steve Kerr had his way, every possession would be a cyclone—a swirl of shooters forever moving the ball and themselves.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "Draymond Green Still Lives at the Heart of Everything Golden State," 22 May 2018
The fire started behind a cyclone fence in the empty field, and firefighters were able to climb through an existing hole in the fence to control the fire.

— molly sullivan, sacbee, "Rancho grass fire may be linked to homeless encampment | The Sacramento Bee," 20 May 2018
In response, Schubert had a 10-foot cyclone fence erected around the perimeter of the building.

— monique judge, The Root, "#StephonClark: 2 Months Later, We Are No Closer to Justice," 15 May 2018
In the meantime, faced with multiple threats — disease, trafficking, the cyclone season — there have been few practical measures taken to mitigate the risks posed by elephants in the camps.

— poppy mcpherson, USA TODAY, "Elephants and Rohingya Muslim refugees jostle for space in Bangladesh," 18 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cyclone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cyclone

modification of Greek kyklōma wheel, coil, from kykloun to go around, from kyklos circle

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1848

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Cyclone

trademark Cy·clone \ ˈsī-ˌklōn \

Definition of Cyclone

—used for a chain-link fence

CYCLONE Defined for English Language Learners

cyclone

noun

Definition of cyclone for English Language Learners

: an extremely large, powerful, and destructive storm with very high winds that turn around an area of low pressure

CYCLONE Defined for Kids

cyclone

noun cy·clone \ ˈsī-ˌklōn \

Definition of cyclone for Students

1 : a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure and that moves forward at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) an hour and often brings heavy rain

2 : tornado