waterspout

noun

wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯ-tər-ˌspau̇t How to pronounce waterspout (audio)
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

Examples of waterspout in a Sentence

the waterspout became clogged, and then the roof leaked
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.
Will the Great Lakes see waterspouts this week? Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Every year, in Yoro, Honduras, for example, fish rain down on the city thought to have been sucked into waterspouts. Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 Video footage of the waterspout and photos of the destruction at Paw Paw Point were reviewed and verified by the NWS. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025 The appearance of a double waterspout over Florida Gulf Coast waters drew awe and amazement from witnesses. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for waterspout

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterspout was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waterspout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterspout. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

waterspout

noun
wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯt-ər-ˌspau̇t How to pronounce waterspout (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on waterspout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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