tropical storm

noun

: a tropical cyclone with strong winds of over 39 miles (63 kilometers) per hour but less than hurricane intensity

Examples of tropical storm 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.
And Moke was no longer a considered tropical cyclone after skirting Hawaii as a tropical storm, the center said. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 If the system does become the next tropical storm, it could be named Dolly, the next name on the center's pre-arranged storm name rotation. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Moke is forecast to maintain its intensity as a tropical storm and continue on a similar track as Lala passing by Hawaii, although as a weaker storm and farther away. — Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 Another tropical storm or hurricane could affect Hawaii this weekend, just one week after Lala brought several feet of destructive rain and flooding to the Big Island. — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tropical storm

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tropical storm was in 1809

Rhymes for tropical storm

See All Rhymes for tropical storm

Browse Nearby Words

tropical sprue
tropical storm
tropical year
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tropical storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tropical%20storm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tropical storm

noun
: a cyclone in or originating in the tropics that has very strong winds of less than hurricane strength

More from Merriam-Webster on tropical storm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tropical storm

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