# twister

/ˈtwɪstɝ/ (US) · /twˈɪstɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/twister
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a powerful, spinning wind that moves across the land in a funnel shape. People often use this word instead of 'tornado' when they are talking casually.

For teachers: a localized and violently destructive windstorm occurring over land, characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground. Frequently used as a colloquial synonym for 'tornado' in North American English.

## Examples

- The sky turned green just before the twister hit the farm.
- Local residents took shelter in their basements as the twister tore through the outskirts of the small town.
- While meteorologists classified the event as an EF3 tornado, the local headlines simply warned residents of the deadly twister that had leveled the historic district.

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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.