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

Scientists have now made this possible by creating optical tornadoes (also called optical vortices)—tiny, swirling structures of light inside a microscopic system. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026

The new system sends real-time notifications about severe weather, including tornado warnings, along with public safety emergencies and evacuations. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026

Jane’s an emotive performer, but Nini is all that and a tornado. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2026

The Chicago weather threat Thursday includes the possibility of severe storms bringing very large hail, damaging winds, and a lower but not zero chance of tornadoes. —Laura Bannon, CBS News, 26 Mar. 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