derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō 

plural derechos

: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful straight-line winds that cause widespread destruction

Examples of derecho in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Town of Munster has enlisted help in getting residents dug out of the seemingly endless piles of debris from the August 11 derecho. — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Studies continue to show that everyone within a community can have the same degree of exposure to something like a derecho, but socio-economic factors strongly determine sensitivity and adaptive capacity. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

It's been nearly a week since heavy rains from a likely derecho pummeled the Midwest and displaced roughly 1,000 people across Indiana. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026

Officials announced that schools in Gary Community School Corporation's district would remain closed due to ongoing issues from the derecho last week. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, straight (contrasted with tornado, taken to mean "turned"), from Latin directus — more at direct entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for derecho

• deco
• echo
• gecko

Kids Definition

derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho

də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō

plural derechos

: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful winds that move in a straight line and that cause widespread destruction

Etymology

from Spanish, "straight" (opposed to tornado, taken to mean "turned" in Spanish)