# hurricane

/ˈhəɹəˌkeɪnz/ (US) · /hˈʌɹɪkˌeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hurricane
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a powerful storm

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The coastal town was evacuated before the hurricane reached the shore.
- Meteorologists tracked the hurricane as it gathered strength over the warm waters of the Atlantic, eventually reaching Category 5 status before making landfall.

### 2. a forceful rush

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- A hurricane of activity hit the office as the deadline approached.
- The candidate's arrival sparked a hurricane of media attention, with reporters and photographers jostling for a position near the stage.

### 3. acrobatic maneuver

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The skier won the gold medal after landing a perfect hurricane.
- Executing a hurricane requires immense spatial awareness, as the athlete must complete five full rotations while performing three distinct vertical flips.

### 4. a cocktail

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a sweet alcoholic drink made with rum and fruit juice.

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

- We sat on the patio and ordered a round of hurricanes.
- The bartender garnished the hurricane with a bright red cherry and a slice of orange, following the classic New Orleans recipe.

### 5. to move violently

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

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

- He hurricaned into the room, shouting for everyone to listen.
- The protesters hurricaned through the streets, their collective energy overwhelming the small police presence at the intersection.

## Examples

- The hurricane caused a power outage in the coastal town.
- Residents were told to board up their windows and evacuate before the hurricane reached the coast.
- 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.

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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.