tornado
noun
tor·na·do
tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō 
plural tornadoes or tornados
1
a
: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that progresses in a narrow path over the land
b
: a squall accompanying a thunderstorm in Africa
2
: a violent windstorm : whirlwind
3
archaic
: a tropical thunderstorm
Examples of tornado in a Sentence
in the path of a tornado
Recent Examples on the Web
The company has poured millions into Randolph County, paying tens of thousands of dollars for tornado repairs last year, for instance.
—
Sophie Hartley, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
After examining the evidence, meteorologists will release their findings on whether damage was caused by a tornado, and if so, the strength of the tornado, its direction and other information about the storm.
—Carol Kugler, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
Forecasters warn that the combination could bring damaging winds, large hail, and even an isolated tornado before a cold front sweeps through overnight.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026
Residents under a tornado watch should have multiple ways to receive warnings if they are advised, meteorologists advise.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tornado
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Sophie Hartley, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
After examining the evidence, meteorologists will release their findings on whether damage was caused by a tornado, and if so, the strength of the tornado, its direction and other information about the storm.
—Carol Kugler, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
Forecasters warn that the combination could bring damaging winds, large hail, and even an isolated tornado before a cold front sweeps through overnight.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026
Residents under a tornado watch should have multiple ways to receive warnings if they are advised, meteorologists advise.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tornado
Cite this Entry
“Tornado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tornado. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tornado
noun
tor·na·do
tȯr-ˈnād-ō
plural tornadoes or tornados
: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land
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