ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hurricane

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈhəɹəˌkeɪnz// UK //hˈʌɹɪkˌeɪn// hur·ri·cane Archaic General-service

n. a very powerful storm with extremely strong winds and heavy rain. These storms usually start over warm oceans and can cause a lot of damage when they reach land.

n. a severe tropical cyclone with sustained winds exceeding 74 miles per hour, typically occurring in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, or eastern North Pacific. Characterised by a low-pressure centre and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms.


SIMPLE

The hurricane caused a power outage in the coastal town.

CONTEXTUAL

Residents were told to board up their windows and evacuate before the hurricane reached the coast.

COMPLEX

Meteorologists monitored the hurricane's trajectory closely, noting that the warm ocean temperatures were likely to intensify the storm's category before it made landfall.

Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

Coined by Jeret Peterson.

Usage

Often used with the verb 'hit' or 'strike' when describing the storm reaching land.

© 2026 English Reference