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

Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted or a Tornado Warning is issued. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025

Rain — and a small chance of weak tornadoes — is coming to Southern California this week. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025

The map also includes tornado reports for the past week and recent rainfall accumulations. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025

Abbott urged people in North and East Texas to follow the guidance of local authorities ahead of potential severe storms that could bring tornados, hail, and flash floods. —Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for tornado

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids 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