tropical depression

American  

[trop-i-kuhl di-presh-uhn] / ˈtrɒp ɪ kəl dɪˈprɛʃ ən /

noun

Meteorology.

1. an atmospheric low-pressure system originating in the tropics, specifically, a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained wind speed is 38 miles per hour (62 kilometers per hour) or less.

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tropical depression British  

noun

1. an area of heavy rains and winds, the first stage in the development of a possible hurricane

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tropical depression Scientific  

1. A tropical cyclone having sustained surface winds less than 39 mi (63 km) per hour.

2. See Note at cyclone

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Etymology

Origin of tropical depression

First recorded in 1845–50; tropical + depression (in the sense “low atmospheric pressure”

Compare meaning

How does tropical-depression compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• tropical depression vs. tropical storm

Example Sentences

The country is also already preparing for another storm, tropical depression Paolo, that is expected to make landfall in the northern Philippines this Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 1, 2025

Another low pressure area off Bicol could intensify into a tropical depression by the end of the week, Ms Claren said.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2024

Another batch of storms is swirling near Texas at the moment and could form into a tropical depression, according to forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2024

The storm began to organize itself on Sunday morning, first as a tropical depression.

From New York Times • Oct. 25, 2023

The Hong Kong Observatory said on its website that Koinu was weakening from a typhoon into a tropical depression as it moved southwest along the coast of China’s Guangdong province.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 9, 2023