Definition of downburst
: a powerful downdraft usually associated with a thunderstorm that strikes the ground and deflects in all directions; also : microburst
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Recent Examples of downburst from the Web
-
The strongest of these storms may contain damaging downburst winds and hail to an inch in diameter.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'downburst'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1978
First Known Use of downburst
1978
Learn More about downburst
-
See words that rhyme with downburst Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about downburst
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up downburst? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!