waterspout

noun

wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯ-tər-ˌspau̇t How to pronounce waterspout (audio)
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

Examples of waterspout in a Sentence

the waterspout became clogged, and then the roof leaked
Recent Examples on the Web Thunderstorms, waterspouts and tornadoes are possible Brutal onshore winds will also pummel the northern, central and southern coasts through Monday, forecasters said, leading to damaging surf. Susan Miller, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2024 Damaging winds, brief tornadoes and waterspouts were also possible Sunday along coasts and valleys in southwest California, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2024 The weather service also noted reports of a possible tornado in Pismo and Grover Beach on the Central Coast and issued a waterspout warning for the Channel Islands. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2024 That along with funnel clouds, waterspouts and hailstorms, made for an interesting Father’s Day in much of western Oregon. oregonlive, 20 June 2023 Severe storms featuring tornadoes, waterspouts possible along Gulf Coast this weekend Vehicles were tossed and debris strewn along roads after the tornado touched down at 5:10 p.m. Saturday. Artemis Moshtaghian, CNN, 1 May 2023 Conditions The weather service issued a special marine weather warning for the Central Coast on Wednesday morning due to the potential for waterspouts and strong winds. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2023 This glass bath is shallow enough for birds of all sizes to splash and also includes a pleasant mini waterspout in the center. Rena Behar, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2023 The National Weather Service Miami issued a tornado warning for parts of Broward County after a waterspout was sighted and approached shore. Kathy Laskowski, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterspout was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near waterspout

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

waterspout

noun
wa·​ter·​spout ˈwȯt-ər-ˌspau̇t How to pronounce waterspout (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on waterspout

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