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.
Hundreds of trees fell, and many homes suffered roof damage, and 10,000 cars were damaged due to a hailstorm and falling trees after the tornado passed, the fire brigade said. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Here’s look back at the most intense tornadoes that have impact Chicago and the state. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Earlier, a storm damage survey confirmed a different tornado connected with the storms. — Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026 Some storms could turn severe, producing damaging winds, large hail and even an isolated tornado. — Justin Lewis, CBS News, 27 Aug. 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 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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