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 greatest chance for severe storms is across southwest Minnesota (level 3 of 5) later Sunday with wind, hail and tornadoes possible. —Adam Del Rosso, CBS News, 16 May 2026

Storms could be strong and organized, bringing all severe weather threats — tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds — and downpours will also be possible, the Weather Service said. —Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026

To figure out if building code standards need to be updated to withstand hurricanes and tornadoes. —Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026

Forecasters also note a small tornado threat, especially where instability and wind shear overlap. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 14 May 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