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

• drainpipe
• eaves trough
• gutter
• rainspout
• spout
• trough

Examples of waterspout in a Sentence

the waterspout became clogged, and then the roof leaked

Recent Examples on the Web

In June 2023, two people were injured by umbrellas when a waterspout came ashore at Clearwater Beach, sending debris of all sizes — including umbrellas — flying through the air. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024

Across Southern California, the heavy winds that blasted the region Sunday were diminishing, but the National Weather Service warned that an unstable weather pattern could generate waterspouts or small tornadoes. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2024

Early Monday, the weather service warned about the risk of urban and flash flooding, strong winds, dangerous marine conditions and the possibility of tornadoes and waterspouts. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024

Power outages and impassable mountain roads were also part of the package, as were thunderstorms, waterspouts and thundering surf. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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