typhoon

American  

[tahy-foon] / taɪˈfun /

noun

1. Meteorology. a tropical cyclone in the western Pacific Ocean or northern Indian Ocean, having sustained winds of at least 64 knots (74 miles per hour, 33 meters per second): typhoons form in waters with surface temperatures of about 80°F (27°C), intensifying as temperatures rise.

2. Military. Typhoon,

   1. a single-engine British ground attack aircraft of World War II.

   2. NATO's name for a class of nuclear-powered Soviet ballistic missile submarine carrying 20 multiwarhead missiles.

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typhoon British  

/ taɪˈfɒnɪk, taɪˈfuːn /

noun

1. a violent tropical storm or cyclone, esp in the China seas and W Pacific

2. a violent storm of India

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typhoon Scientific  

/ tī-fo̅o̅n′ /

1. A violent cyclonic storm occurring in the western Pacific Ocean.

2. See Note at cyclone

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typhoon Cultural  

1. In meteorology, a type of cyclone occurring in the western regions of the Pacific Ocean.

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Usage

What’s the difference between a typhoon, a hurricane, and a cyclone? Typhoon, hurricane, and cyclone are all terms for big storms. Although the word cyclone is often used to refer to a big storm, it is, technically speaking, a large-scale, atmospheric wind-and-pressure system characterized by low pressure at its center and by circular wind motion. Because these generally produce clouds and precipitation, cyclones are often simply referred to as storms. When such storms form around the tropics, they are called tropical cyclones. Tropical cyclones are classified based on their strength. They may start as tropical depressions and progress to tropical storms. The most severe tropical cyclones—those with winds of 74 mph (119 k/mh) or more—are called hurricanes or typhoons. Which term is used depends on where the storm occurs. Generally, storms that form over the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico are called hurricanes, while those that form over the Pacific Ocean are called typhoons. (The word hurricane is sometimes used for storms that form over the eastern or central North Pacific Ocean.)Cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. In casual use, the word cyclone is sometimes used to refer to a tornado (but it is not used this way in scientific contexts). Here’s an example of typhoon, hurricane, and cyclone used correctly in a sentence. Example: There have been many devastating cyclones this season, including a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and multiple typhoons in the Pacific. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between typhoons, hurricanes, and cyclones.

Discover More

A typhoon is similar to a hurricane in levels of destructiveness.

Other Word Forms

• typhonic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of typhoon

First recorded in 1580–90; alteration (influenced by Greek tȳphôn “violent wind, whirlwind”) of earlier touffon, tufan, from Arabic ṭūfān “hurricane, deluge” (perhaps from Greek tȳphôn ), from dialectal Chinese (Guangdong) taaî fung, equivalent to Chinese dàfēng “great wind”

Compare meaning

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

• typhoon vs. hurricane
• typhoon vs. tsunami
• typhoon vs. cyclone

Explanation

A typhoon is a giant, rotating storm that brings wind, rain, and destruction. Hurricanes and typhoons are both kinds of tropical cyclones. So if you see one coming, watch out! One thing that makes typhoons like hurricanes—aside from intense weather—is that we give them names. Why? That's a discussion for another day. If you're having a hard time recalling the meaning of typhoon, try this silliness: "The typhoon knocked out all the power. I cannot use the telephoon." You can also remind yourself that typhoon rhymes with another form of harsh weather, the monsoon.

Example Sentences

During this nine-hour mission, the Typhoon and F-35 jet refuel seven times - taking on a total of 30 tonnes of aviation fuel.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Meanwhile, British Typhoon and F-35 planes have conducted defense air patrols over Qatar, Bahrain, the U.A.E.,

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

On Sunday, an RAF Typhoon jet operating out of Qatar shot down an Iranian drone in a "defensive air patrol", the Ministry of Defence said.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

BAE Systems BA 5.72%increase; green up pointing triangle posted a 10% increase in sales in 2025, on the back of large orders for Eurofighter Typhoon jets, frigates and combat vehicles placed by European governments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

She hopes his labor doesn’t start on the Typhoon Terror.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

• hurricane
• tropical cyclone
• tropical storm