twister

noun

twist·​er ˈtwi-stər 

1

: one that twists

especially : a ball with a forward and spinning motion

2

: a tornado, waterspout, or dust devil in which the rotatory ascending movement of a column of air is especially apparent

Examples of twister in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The twister then traveled across Brandon Township, moving into the communities of Oakwood, Ortonville, North Oxford, Whigville and Thomas. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 26 May 2026

If a large twister rated EF-3 or above drops on a static line of chasers stuck on a highway, the results could be catastrophic. —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026

In an average year, more than 1,000 twisters roar across the US, leaving death and destruction behind. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 20 May 2026

The forces that drive a supercell storm to create a tornado — especially enormous and destructive twisters like those in Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, and El Reno, Oklahoma, in 2013 — are less understood. —Emily Holshouser may 19, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing twister

• tongue twister

Rhymes for twister

• blister
• lyster
• mister
• sister
• resister
• resistor
• stepsister
• transistor

Kids Definition

twister

noun

twist·​er ˈtwis-tər 

1

: one that twists

2

a

: tornado

b

: waterspout sense 2