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
Noun
And federal agencies still don’t classify it the same as earthquakes, cyclones, and other natural disasters, limiting funds for mitigation. Sushmita Pathak, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Feb. 2024 There’s the cyclone of interest surrounding Taylor Swift, of course, Travis Kelce’s superstar girlfriend. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2024 The second major winter storm barreling through the U.S. this week is expected to bring several feet of snow to parts of Washington state and Oregon though Tuesday, the weather service said in a bulletin, while a mid-latitude cyclone forms over the central and southern Great Plains. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2024 Philippe’s winds are expected to remain at tropical-storm strength, but the cyclone itself may not be fully tropical at the time of landfall. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 4 Oct. 2023 As Morris reports, cyclone survivors felt abandoned, not receiving much help from the government or aid organizations like the Red Cross. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 7 Feb. 2024 There is general confidence that the strongest cyclones will get stronger in a warming climate. Max Chesnes, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2024 Formed by winds associated with cyclones, atmospheric rivers typically range from 250 miles to 375 miles in width and move under the influence of other weather. John Antczak, Christopher Weber, Julie Watson, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Feb. 2024 The very strong low-pressure system moved into the Mediterranean before developing into a tropical-like cyclone and crossing the Libyan coast. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 13 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cyclone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near cyclone

Cite this Entry

“Cyclone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclone. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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