jet stream

noun

: a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles (402 kilometers) per hour

Examples of jet stream 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.
El Niño’s influence on US weather is strongest in winter, when the jet stream — a fast-moving current of air that helps steer storms — typically shifts south and extends east across North America. — Sam Hart, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 That’s because the upper-level low-pressure area is causing a kink in the jet stream, which leads to a dip known as a trough. — Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 During El Niño, the jet stream more frequently splits into two branches. — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Witt said that because of El Niño, the jet stream that typically carries winter storms from the northwest will instead push warmer air north from the south. — Luke Parker, Baltimore Sun, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jet stream

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jet stream was in 1947

Rhymes for jet stream

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Browse Nearby Words

jetson
jet stream
jettage
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Cite this Entry

“Jet stream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jet%20stream. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jet stream

noun
: a long narrow wandering current of high-speed winds blowing from a generally westerly direction several miles above the earth's surface

More from Merriam-Webster on jet stream

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jet stream

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