tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō 

plural tornadoes or tornados

1

a

: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land

b

: a squall accompanying a thunderstorm in Africa

2

: a violent windstorm : whirlwind

3

archaic : a tropical thunderstorm

Examples of tornado in a Sentence

in the path of a tornado

Recent Examples on the Web

The Jonesboro store marks Best Buy's return to the town after a tornado destroyed its previous location. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026

Investigators found damaged trees along Rock Branch Road, before the tornado crossed Highway 212 and snapped or uprooted numerous trees along the southward slope of Shelton Laurel Creek and toward Cutshall Town Road. — Joe Marusak july 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Marks began his effort to get these sirens years ago after a tornado struck the town in 2018. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Forecasters say Friday's greatest severe weather threat stretches from the Mississippi Valley into the Ozarks, where storms could produce damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish tronada thunderstorm, from tronar to thunder, from Latin tonare — more at thunder entry 1

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for tornado

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnād-ō 

plural tornadoes or tornados

: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land