ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hurricane

n. · v.
US //ˈhəɹəˌkeɪnz// UK //hˈʌɹɪkˌeɪn// hur·ri·cane
  1. 1 a powerful storm (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a very large and violent storm with extremely strong winds and heavy rain.

    a severe tropical cyclone with sustained winds exceeding 119 km/h (74 mph), characterized by a low-pressure center and heavy precipitation.

    Example

    The coastal town was evacuated before the hurricane reached the shore.

    Example

    Meteorologists tracked the hurricane as it gathered strength over the warm waters of the Atlantic, eventually reaching Category 5 status before making landfall.
  2. 2 a forceful rush (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a sudden, powerful movement or a lot of activity that happens very fast.

    a figurative use describing a great, forceful onrush or a chaotic burst of activity.

    Example

    A hurricane of activity hit the office as the deadline approached.

    Example

    The candidate's arrival sparked a hurricane of media attention, with reporters and photographers jostling for a position near the stage.
  3. 3 acrobatic maneuver (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    a very difficult move in skiing or gymnastics involving three flips and five twists.

    a specific aerial maneuver in freestyle skiing consisting of three backflips and five full twists.

    Example

    The skier won the gold medal after landing a perfect hurricane.

    Example

    Executing a hurricane requires immense spatial awareness, as the athlete must complete five full rotations while performing three distinct vertical flips.

  4. 4 a cocktail (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Cooking

    a sweet alcoholic drink made with rum and fruit juice.

    a sweet alcoholic cocktail typically composed of rum, lemon juice, and passion fruit syrup, traditionally served in a tall, curved glass.

    Example

    We sat on the patio and ordered a round of hurricanes.

    Example

    The bartender garnished the hurricane with a bright red cherry and a slice of orange, following the classic New Orleans recipe.

  5. 5 to move violently (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to move very quickly and noisily, often making people notice you.

    to move or act with the violence or speed of a storm; often used to describe dramatic or chaotic movement.

    Example

    He hurricaned into the room, shouting for everyone to listen.

    Example

    The protesters hurricaned through the streets, their collective energy overwhelming the small police presence at the intersection.
Etymology 1

Etymology tree Taíno *hurakābor. Spanish huracánbor. English hurricane Borrowed from Spanish huracán, ultimately from Taíno *hurakā.

Etymology 2

Coined by Jeret Peterson.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026