downburst

noun

down·​burst ˈdau̇n-ˌbərst How to pronounce downburst (audio)
: a powerful downdraft usually associated with a thunderstorm that strikes the ground and deflects in all directions
also : microburst

Examples of downburst 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.
Some of these storms could produce frequent lightning and strong downburst winds. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026 Rather, the damage was more typical of a strong downburst with winds between 75 mph and 82 mph. — Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 When downdrafts cause damage on the ground as in Carmichael on Tuesday, they are known as downbursts, say forecasters. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Busalacchi says these efforts have contributed to decades without passenger plane crashes caused by wind shear or downbursts. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for downburst

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downburst was in 1977

Rhymes for downburst

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Browse Nearby Words

down-budding
downburst
downbye
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

downburst

noun
down·​burst ˈdau̇n-ˌbərst How to pronounce downburst (audio)
: a powerful downdraft

More from Merriam-Webster on downburst

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about downburst

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