waterspout
noun
wa·ter·spout
ˈwȯ-tər-ˌspau̇t 
ˈwä-
1
: a pipe, duct, or orifice from which water is spouted or through which it is carried
2
: a funnel-shaped or tubular column of rotating cloud-filled wind usually extending from the underside of a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up by the whirling winds from the surface of an ocean or lake
Examples of waterspout in a Sentence
the waterspout became clogged, and then the roof leaked
Recent Examples on the Web
One theory raised was that the boat capsized after being struck by a waterspout (which refers to a tornado over the water), though there may have been more factors at play that contributed to the sinking.
—
David Chiu, People.com, 12 May 2025
The San Francisco Bay Area is bracing for heavy winds and downpours, with waterspouts possible offshore.
—Priya Shukla, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Besides the risk for debris flow, there is a potential for waterspouts over the ocean, as well as damaging winds, and strong thunderstorms, Lund said.
—Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
There is also a chance of small hail, and waterspouts over waters off the California coast.
—Chandelis Duster, NPR, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waterspout
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David Chiu, People.com, 12 May 2025
The San Francisco Bay Area is bracing for heavy winds and downpours, with waterspouts possible offshore.
—Priya Shukla, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Besides the risk for debris flow, there is a potential for waterspouts over the ocean, as well as damaging winds, and strong thunderstorms, Lund said.
—Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
There is also a chance of small hail, and waterspouts over waters off the California coast.
—Chandelis Duster, NPR, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for waterspout
Cite this Entry
“Waterspout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterspout. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
waterspout
noun
wa·ter·spout
ˈwȯt-ər-ˌspau̇t
ˈwät-
1
: a pipe for carrying off water from a roof
2
: a column of rotating wind extending from a cloud down to a cloud of spray torn up from the surface of a body of water by the winds
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