tropical storm

noun

: a tropical cyclone with strong winds of over 39 miles (63 kilometers) per hour but less than hurricane intensity

Examples of tropical storm 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.
Researchers say that more attention needs to be placed on the threat of tropical cyclones — a term that includes hurricanes and tropical storms — to Southern California. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Lower wind shear can allow tropical storms and hurricanes to have a better chance of reaching Hawaii. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 There's a 70% chance of tropical formation, and tropical storm alerts may be issued later on Monday. — Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 It’s expected to come ashore in Texas on Tuesday morning as a tropical storm, and a swath of the coast near the Texas and Louisiana border remains under a tropical storm warning. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tropical storm

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tropical storm was in 1809

Rhymes for tropical storm

See All Rhymes for tropical storm

Browse Nearby Words

tropical sprue
tropical storm
tropical year
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Cite this Entry

“Tropical storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tropical%20storm. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tropical storm

noun
: a cyclone in or originating in the tropics that has very strong winds of less than hurricane strength

More from Merriam-Webster on tropical storm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tropical storm

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