cyclone

1 of 2

noun

cy·​clone ˈsī-ˌklōn How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
Synonyms of cyclone
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
: tornado
c
: low entry 2 sense 1b
2
: any of various centrifugal devices for separating materials (such as solid particles from gases)
cyclonic
sī-ˈklä-nik How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
adjective
cyclonically
sī-ˈklä-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The rain starts up again, paired with some nasty-looking cyclones. — William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026 The Central province was the hardest hit by that cyclone and the government is struggling to rebuild roads, railways and houses in the region. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Although exposed to cyclones and flooding, Mauritius ranks in the middle of the latest 190-country World Risk Report on natural hazard dangers. — William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves, floods, droughts, cyclones, and extreme rainfall affect agriculture, water supplies, ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cyclone

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

Phrases Containing cyclone

Rhymes for cyclone

See All Rhymes for cyclone

Browse Nearby Words

Cyclomyaria
cyclone
Cyclone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cyclone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclone. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
: tornado
cyclonic
sī-ˈklän-ik How to pronounce cyclone (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cyclone

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cyclone

Nglish: Translation of cyclone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about 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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of anecdote

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All