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

Primary hazards include damaging wind gusts, locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning strikes, with hail and a brief tornado or waterspout also possible. — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026

With this storm earning a tornadic waterspout rating, there have now been 22 tornadoes in Michigan so far in 2026. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds or weak waterspouts. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026

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