downburst

noun

down·​burst ˈdau̇n-ˌbərst How to pronounce downburst (audio)
: a powerful downdraft usually associated with a thunderstorm that strikes the ground and deflects in all directions
also : microburst

Examples of downburst 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.
The 56-meter yacht sank within 16 minutes of being struck by a downburst or tornado on the early morning of August 19. Radina Gigova, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024 The chief hazards include pockets of damaging winds caused by downbursts, which are thunderstorm winds that blow downward and then fan out when reaching the ground. Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 26 June 2024 Straight-line winds, or downbursts, form when cold air rises in a thunderstorm to the point of condensation. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 3 Apr. 2024 This cool, dense air sinks to the ground and creates a strong wind called a downburst. Ashley Stimpson, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for downburst 

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downburst was in 1977

Dictionary Entries Near downburst

Cite this Entry

“Downburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downburst. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

downburst

noun
down·​burst
ˈdau̇n-ˌbərst
: a powerful downdraft

More from Merriam-Webster on downburst

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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