downburst

noun

down·​burst ˈdau̇n-ˌbərst 

: a powerful downdraft usually associated with a thunderstorm that strikes the ground and deflects in all directions

also : microburst

Examples of downburst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Frequent lightning strikes, isolated damaging downburst winds and marginally severe hail (up to quarter-sized) will be the main threats, according to the NWS. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

When downdrafts cause damage on the ground as in Carmichael on Tuesday, they are known as downbursts, say forecasters. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Torrential rainfall and isolated instances of flooding are the main threats, but localized strong downburst winds will be possible. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

These vertical profiles can show, for example, whether a tornado is forming or a storm is creating a downburst—a rapid downward blast of wind. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for downburst

• amerced
• cloudburst
• coerced
• conversed
• disbursed
• dispersed
• headfirst
• immersed
• outburst
• rehearsed
• reversed
• submersed

Kids Definition

downburst

noun

down·​burst

ˈdau̇n-ˌbərst

: a powerful downdraft