derecho

noun

de·​re·​cho də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō How to pronounce derecho (audio)
plural derechos
: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful straight-line winds that cause widespread destruction

Examples of derecho in a Sentence

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.
What makes a derecho different from typical severe storms is the scale. — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 8 May 2026 The derecho’s 14-hour journey had a much larger footprint that spanned from southeast South Dakota to Ohio. — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 In 2024, the county was hit by straight line derecho winds and Hurricane Beryl in rapid succession. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025 Severe weather—from a derecho that hit the Northeast in April to a string of tornado outbreaks in the spring and summer—made up 91% of the billion-dollar disasters. — Simmone Shah, Time, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derecho

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, straight (contrasted with tornado, taken to mean "turned"), from Latin directus — more at direct entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of derecho was in 1888

Rhymes for derecho

See All Rhymes for derecho

Browse Nearby Words

derechazo
derecho
deregulate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derecho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derecho. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

derecho

noun
de·​re·​cho
də-ˈrā-(ˌ)chō
plural derechos
: a large fast-moving complex of thunderstorms with powerful winds that move in a straight line and that cause widespread destruction
Etymology

from Spanish, "straight" (opposed to tornado, taken to mean "turned" in Spanish)

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