waterspout

noun

wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯ-tər-ˌspau̇t 

ˈwä-

1

: a pipe, duct, or orifice from which water is spouted or through which it is carried

2

: a funnel-shaped or tubular column of rotating cloud-filled wind usually extending from the underside of a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up by the whirling winds from the surface of an ocean or lake

Synonyms

• drainpipe
• eaves trough
• gutter
• rainspout
• spout
• trough

Examples of waterspout in a Sentence

the waterspout became clogged, and then the roof leaked

Recent Examples on the Web

Intense waterspouts spin uncontrollably atop the water, threatening to wreck anything in its path. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024

Experts have said the conditions were ripe for a waterspout. —Alec Luhn, WIRED, 21 Aug. 2024

These October waterspouts fall in line with seasonal activity, as fair weather waterspouts typically fall between August and October, according to the weather service. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 21 Oct. 2024

Sometimes waterspouts are visible from the shoreline. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

waterspout

noun

wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯt-ər-ˌspau̇t 

ˈwät-

1

: a pipe for carrying off water from a roof

2

: a column of rotating wind extending from a cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up from the surface of a body of water by the winds