funnel cloud

noun

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

also : tornado sense 1a

Examples of funnel cloud in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are currently no tornado watches in the forecast, however, NWS is monitoring conditions because there is potential that funnel clouds could pop up in southwestern and south-central Wisconsin during the thunderstorms. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024

Special weather statement: This statement is issued for hazards that have not yet reached warning or advisory status or don't have a specific code of their own, such as widespread funnel clouds. —Eshaan Sarup, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024

In a Monday weather update posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, the agency added the potential for a brief funnel cloud or weak tornado to the list. —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024

With any thunderstorms that develop, brief heavy rain, small accumulating hail, lightning, gusty winds and funnel clouds will be possible. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2024

The tornado comes less than a day after a funnel cloud briefly touched down in the county of Madera, about 30 minutes north of Fresno. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024

Forrest said a funnel cloud is not destructive the way a tornado can be. Is a weak tornado possible near my Sacramento home? —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 2024

The storm, which once was a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall along the southern Baja California peninsula and brought flooding rain, mudslides and the occasional funnel clouds to Southern California and the Desert Southwest. —Greg Norman, Fox News, 21 Dec. 2023

Then, Sydney’s boyfriend watched as their 4-month-old baby was pulled out of his bassinet and into the funnel cloud. Tenn. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 13 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above