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

Two other people were killed in Indiana earlier this week during a powerful derecho. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Early reports showed winds reached 99 mph in Gary in a storm system called a derecho. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 14 Aug. 2026

But Gary is still cleaning up major storm damage and trying to restore power after a line of severe thunderstorms and a derecho pummeled it and surrounding communities Tuesday. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

The weather service also confirmed that a derecho moved across portions of the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, according to its website. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 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)