cyclone

1 of 2

noun

cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
1
a
: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings heavy rain
b
2
: any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (such as solid particles from gases)
cyclonic adjective
cyclonically adverb

Cyclone

2 of 2

trademark

Cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce Cyclone (audio)
used for a chain-link fence

Examples of cyclone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
As Morris reports, cyclone survivors felt abandoned, not receiving much help from the government or aid organizations like the Red Cross. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 7 Feb. 2024 There is general confidence that the strongest cyclones will get stronger in a warming climate. Max Chesnes, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2024 Formed by winds associated with cyclones, atmospheric rivers typically range from 250 miles to 375 miles in width and move under the influence of other weather. John Antczak, Christopher Weber, Julie Watson, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Feb. 2024 The very strong low-pressure system moved into the Mediterranean before developing into a tropical-like cyclone and crossing the Libyan coast. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 13 Sep. 2023 Sting jets form in the most powerful mid-latitude cyclones. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024 Such a cyclone, with sustained winds of at least 157 mph, could flatten any structure of the era, so there was no reason to give the most ferocious tier of hurricanes an upper bound. Scott Dance The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 6 Feb. 2024 Researchers raise those questions in a study, released today, that analyzes the nearly 200 Category 5 cyclones that have spun up globally since 1980. Max Chesnes, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2024 My own country, Tonga, has been stuck in an exhausting loop of rebuilding from at least six severe cyclones and several droughts, all occurring within the past 10 years. Josephine Latu-Sanft, Scientific American, 29 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cyclone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of Greek kyklōma wheel, coil, from kykloun to go around, from kyklos circle

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyclone was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near cyclone

Cite this Entry

“Cyclone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclone. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cyclone

noun
cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
1
: a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, advances at a speed of 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 kilometers) an hour, and often brings a great deal of rain
2
cyclonic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cyclone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!