tornado

noun
UK: /tɔːˈneɪ.dəʊ/
US: /tɔːrˈneɪ.doʊ/

  1. A violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, often visible as a funnel-shaped cloud.

    1. The tornado hit the small town and caused damage.
    2. Scientists are studying how climate change affects the frequency of tornadoes.

  2. A destructive force or event that is overwhelming and chaotic.

    1. The argument became a tornado of accusations.
    2. Her emotions were a tornado, swirling with anger and sadness.

Synonyms

twister whirlwind cyclone tempest
tornado intransitive-verb

  1. To move rapidly in a swirling or destructive manner, like a tornado.

    1. The kids tornadoed through the house after school.
    2. Rumors tornadoed through the office after the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "tornado" in English means: A violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground, often visible as a funnel-shaped cloud., A destructive force or event that is overwhelming and chaotic..

The phonetic transcription of "tornado" is /tɔːˈneɪ.dəʊ/ in British English and /tɔːrˈneɪ.doʊ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "tornado": twister, whirlwind, cyclone, tempest.

Example usage of "tornado": "The tornado hit the small town and caused damage.". More examples on the page.