tornado

noun

tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce tornado (audio)
plural tornadoes or tornados
Synonyms of tornadonext
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
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.
Still, the state's tornado risk is typically higher during El Niño years. — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 While tornado activity is most prominent in the springtime, autumn can bring a secondary peak — and the twisters can be even stronger and more dangerous. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 He's covered some of the biggest events throughout the city and our region, from the death of Freddie Gray, to mass shootings in Harford County, to the EF-2 tornado that ripped through the Eastern Shore. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Antalya and other locations along the Mediterranean coast periodically experience tornadoes, although deadly incidents are rare. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tornado

Word History

Etymology

modification of Spanish tronada thunderstorm, from tronar to thunder, from Latin tonare — more at thunder entry 1

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of tornado was in 1556

Rhymes for tornado

See All Rhymes for tornado

Browse Nearby Words

tornadic
tornado
Tornado Alley
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

tornado

noun
tor·​na·​do tȯr-ˈnād-ō How to pronounce tornado (audio)
plural tornadoes or tornados
: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land

More from Merriam-Webster on tornado

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tornado

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tornado

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