twister

noun

twist·​er ˈtwi-stər How to pronounce twister (audio)
1
: one that twists
especially : a ball with a forward and spinning motion
2
: a tornado, waterspout, or dust devil in which the rotatory ascending movement of a column of air is especially apparent

Examples of twister 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.
On the same day, several more twisters touched down across the state, bringing Illinois’s tornado count for the year to 204. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026 No damage or injuries were reported, while residents said the twister downed numerous trees. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, a tornado was also confirmed in Trappe, Maryland, where the National Weather Service is surveying the damage to determine the twister's strength. — Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 29 July 2026 Videos posted on social media showed what appeared to be a small twister. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for twister

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of twister was in 1579

Phrases Containing twister

Rhymes for twister

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Browse Nearby Words

twisted stomach worm
twister
twister-in
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Cite this Entry

“Twister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twister. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

twister

noun
twist·​er ˈtwis-tər How to pronounce twister (audio)
1
: one that twists
2
a
: tornado
b
: waterspout sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on twister

Nglish: Translation of twister for Spanish Speakers

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