tropical storm
Americannoun
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tropical storms
plural
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A tropical cyclone having sustained surface winds between 39 and 73 mi (63 and 118 km) per hour.
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See Note at cyclone
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of tropical storm
First recorded in 1940–45
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Big Island, while Maui County, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau are under a tropical storm warnings.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026
A hurricane warning was in effect for Hawaii County, which covers the Big Island, and a tropical storm warning held for the islands of Maui, Molokai and Kahoolawe to its northwest.
From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026
Across the weekend, it will continue moving westwards, and may weaken into a tropical storm, with the centre passing just below Hawaii's other islands.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026
The hazardous surf is being sent from tropical storm systems south of California, including Tropical Storm Fausto and the remnants of Tropical Storm Elida.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
“Okay, that tropical storm is now officially Hurricane Adelaide. They say it’ll hit us in a few days. Or it could turn east and head out to sea.”
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
