cyclone

1 of 2

noun

cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
Synonyms of cyclone
1
a
: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain
b
: tornado
c
: low entry 2 sense 1b
2
: any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (such as solid particles from gases)
cyclonic
sī-ˈklä-nik How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
adjective
cyclonically
sī-ˈklä-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
adverb

Cyclone

2 of 2

trademark

Cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce Cyclone (audio)
—used for a chain-link fence

Examples of cyclone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Businesses also need continuity plans that consider several failures occurring together, such as a cyclone followed by power cuts and transport disruption. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 This could be the region’s strongest cyclone since Hudhud in 2014. — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Prakhar Jain, a top disaster management official in Andhra Pradesh, said the cyclone was moving at about 20 kph (12 mph). — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 Thursday rain flips direction As the cyclone moves over land Thursday, showers that were moving out of the south will flip and begin crashing in out of the north, this time with less energy and moisture to keep rainfall sustained for long. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cyclone

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of Greek kyklōma wheel, coil, from kykloun to go around, from kyklos circle

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyclone was in 1848

Phrases Containing cyclone

Rhymes for cyclone

See All Rhymes for cyclone

Browse Nearby Words

Cyclomyaria
cyclone
Cyclone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cyclone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclone. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cyclone

noun
cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
1
: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings a great deal of rain
2
: tornado
cyclonic
sī-ˈklän-ik How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cyclone

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cyclone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cyclone

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