waterspout

noun

wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯ-tər-ˌspau̇t 

ˈwä-

1

: a pipe, duct, or orifice from which water is spouted or through which it is carried

2

: a funnel-shaped or tubular column of rotating cloud-filled wind usually extending from the underside of a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up by the whirling winds from the surface of an ocean or lake

Synonyms of waterspout

• gutter

Examples of waterspout in a Sentence

the waterspout became clogged, and then the roof leaked

Recent Examples on the Web

Tornadoes can also form over water as waterspouts. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

The rain and gusty winds also could bring small hail and the possibility of a waterspout or small tornado, according to the weather service. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Beach conditions will be hazardous with big waves and even a chance of a waterspout or coastal tornado along the cold front. —Anthony Edwards, San Francisco Chronicle, 10 Apr. 2026

Forecasters said the storm will bring a 3- to 5-hour period of steady rain overnight into Sunday morning, along with increasing instability that could produce brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, lightning and a slight chance of a small tornado or waterspout. —City News Service, Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for waterspout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

waterspout

noun

wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯt-ər-ˌspau̇t 

ˈwät-

1

: a pipe for carrying off water from a roof

2

: a column of rotating wind extending from a cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up from the surface of a body of water by the winds