windstorm

[ wind-stawrm ]

noun

1. a storm with heavy wind but little or no precipitation.

windstorm

/ ˈwɪndˌstɔːm /

noun

1. a storm consisting of violent winds

windstorm

/ wĭnd′stôrm′ /

1. A storm with high winds or violent gusts but little or no rain. Winds with speeds up to 241 km (149 mi) per hour have been recorded during windstorms.
2. See also tornado

Word History and Origins

Origin of windstorm¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; wind ¹, storm

Example Sentences

Scientists are more confident that the coastal impacts of windstorms, from storm surges and high waves, will worsen as the sea level rises.

From BBC

A major windstorm was toppling power lines and utility poles throughout Lahaina, and the first fire of the day sparked when a live power line snapped and hit dry brush.

From Seattle Times

Many of the factors that contributed to the disaster are already known: A windstorm battering the island had downed power lines and blown off parts of rooftops, and debris blocked roads throughout Lahaina.

From Seattle Times

How about fighting with a giant sheep puppet, getting ripped across the stage in a fake windstorm and delivering A-list guest performers for a career-spanning set that proved his singular place in L.A. music history.

From Los Angeles Times

The density of larger trees scattered across graceful expanses of grass dropped sharply when a tornado hit the city in 1999, taking out 90 trees; a hurricane-force windstorm toppled still more in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cyclone
• gale
• squall
• tornado
• twister