# cyclone

/sɪˈkɫoʊn/ (US) · /sˈaɪkləʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cyclone
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. weather system

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a large weather system where winds spin around a centre of low pressure.

For teachers: a large-scale atmospheric system of winds rotating inward to an area of low atmospheric pressure.

- The weather map showed a massive cyclone moving across the ocean toward the coast.
- Meteorologists tracked the development of the mid-latitude cyclone as it deepened over the Atlantic, bringing significant precipitation to the eastern seaboard.

Usage: In technical contexts, it refers to any low-pressure system, not just a violent storm.

### 2. tropical storm

noun · CEFR B2

a violent tropical storm, especially one that happens in the Indian Ocean or South Pacific.

For teachers: a regional term for a tropical cyclone occurring in the South Pacific or Indian Ocean, equivalent to a hurricane or typhoon.

- The islands were hit by a powerful cyclone that caused widespread flooding.
- The regional disaster management office issued a red alert as the cyclone approached the coast of Queensland, predicting wind speeds exceeding two hundred kilometres per hour.

Teaching tip: Explain to students that 'hurricane', 'typhoon', and 'cyclone' often describe the same type of storm but are used in different geographic regions.

### 3. tornado or strong wind

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

a very strong wind or a spinning wind like a tornado.

For teachers: a violent, small-scale atmospheric circulation such as a tornado or dust devil; also used loosely for any powerful wind.

- The old barn was knocked down by a sudden cyclone that ripped through the valley.
- In local parlance, the residents often referred to the devastating twisters as cyclones, despite the technical distinction made by the national weather service.

### 4. to move in a spiral

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to move or spin in a circle like a storm.

For teachers: to move, whirl, or spiral in a manner characteristic of a cyclone or whirlwind.

- The dry leaves started to cyclone around the yard in the autumn wind.
- Dust and debris began to cyclone through the deserted streets as the pressure dropped and the sky turned an ominous shade of green.

## Examples

- The cyclone destroyed many houses on the coast.
- Residents evacuated the island as the cyclone approached with winds exceeding one hundred kilometers per hour.
- The cyclone's rapid intensification caught meteorologists off guard, forcing last-minute evacuation orders for the entire coastal region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.