cyclone

1 of 2

noun

cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
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
2
: any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (such as solid particles from gases)
cyclonic adjective
cyclonically adverb

Cyclone

2 of 2

trademark

Cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce Cyclone (audio)
used for a chain-link fence

Examples of cyclone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Another is that distinguishing between tsunami deposits and storm deposits is incredibly difficult, with tsunamis leaving some of the same signs as hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025 Remember how James Dyson’s revolutionary cyclone vacuum cleaner emerged not from him studying existing vacuum cleaner designs but from noticing how industrial cyclones separate particles in lumber mills? Goran Paun, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 The junta’s sluggish response to the 2008 cyclone ramped up scrutiny of the military government at the time and placed pressure on it to change, eventually leading to the rise of a civilian government, albeit short-lived. Chad De Guzman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025 More than 4 million people lie in the cyclone's path. arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cyclone

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyclone was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cyclone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclone. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

cyclone

noun
cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
1
: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings a great deal of rain
2
cyclonic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cyclone

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