tornado
noun
tor·na·do
tȯr-ˈnā-(ˌ)dō 
plural tornadoes or tornados
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
The peak of tornado season in Wisconsin occurs between May through August, with June having the largest number of tornadoes.
—
Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024
Everything from heavy rainfall to possible tornadoes are in play.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tornado 
Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024
Everything from heavy rainfall to possible tornadoes are in play.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tornado
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tornado.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tornado
Cite this Entry
“Tornado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tornado. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tornado
noun
tor·na·do
tȯr-ˈnād-ō
plural tornadoes or tornados
: a violent destructive whirling wind accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud that moves in a narrow path over the land
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