tropical storm

noun

: a tropical cyclone with strong winds of over 39 miles (63 kilometers) per hour but less than hurricane intensity

Examples of tropical storm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the time of writing, a tropical storm warning was in place from Punta San Telmo to Playa Perula. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 On the coast, mangroves are critical defenders during hurricanes and tropical storms. Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 Because the hurricane center expects the depression to strengthen before making landfall, Mexico has posted tropical storm warnings along the coast from Boca de Catan south to Tecolutla. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 June 2025 In the Atlantic Ocean, fewer than 20 tropical storms, on average, are named each year. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tropical storm

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tropical storm was in 1809

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Cite this Entry

“Tropical storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tropical%20storm. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

tropical storm

noun
: a cyclone in or originating in the tropics that has very strong winds of less than hurricane strength

More from Merriam-Webster on tropical storm

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