funnel cloud

noun

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of funnel cloud

: a funnel-shaped cloud that projects from the base of a thundercloud and that often precedes the formation of a tornado; also : tornado 1a

Recent Examples of funnel cloud from the Web

No funnel clouds were confirmed to be part of the storm in which the toddler was killed.

— matthew martinez, star-telegram, "Sleeping 2-year-old girl dies when tree rips RV in half during Louisiana storm | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 14 Apr. 2018
The turbulent conditions began about 3:36 p.m. when numerous weather spotters confirmed seeing a funnel cloud over downtown Fort Lauderdale.

— tonya alanez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Two tornadoes confirmed in wild, stormy day in South Florida," 11 Apr. 2018
Twin tornado funnel clouds sweep along U.S. 33 near Dunlap, Ind., April 11, 1965.

— dawn mitchell, Indianapolis Star, "1965 Palm Sunday tornadoes: 'As close to hell as I ever want to be'," 2 Sep. 2017
After a few minutes, the girls placed the QR code on the floor to get a better view of the top of the funnel cloud.

— kate elizabeth queram, Howard County Times, "In a Howard County classroom, dinosaurs, chariots and tornadoes become lifelike," 30 Mar. 2018
The weather service also warned of thunderstorms in the afternoon, including possibility of tornadoes and funnel clouds in the Sacramento Valley.

— ryan sabalow, dale kasler and benjy engel, sacbee, "Water rescues and flooded bypasses: Sacramento region gets late season soaking | The Sacramento Bee," 22 Mar. 2018
When this happens, the column takes the shape of a funnel -- also known as a funnel cloud, according to the Ready Campaign, a national public service campaign that helps Americans respond to natural and man-made disasters, among other things.

— madeline farber, Fox News, "'Tornado Alley' and other things to know during tornado season," 21 Mar. 2018
California twist: As California continues to see storminess, a funnel cloud, or waterspout, was observed near San Luis Obispo on Wednesday morning.

— ian livingston, Washington Post, "PM Update: Another cold and windy one tonight, and slightly milder for Thursday," 14 Mar. 2018
Some cities in the area were placed under a tornado watch, although no funnel clouds were reported.

— CBS News, "Parts of the Deep South under threat of severe storms," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'funnel cloud.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.