jet stream

noun

: a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles (402 kilometers) per hour

Examples of jet stream in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During El Niño, the jet stream more frequently splits into two branches. — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 That’s because El Niño typically pointsthe jet stream — the west-to-east flowing, cross-country river of air that steers storms — at the southern tier of the US. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 Witt said that because of El Niño, the jet stream that typically carries winter storms from the northwest will instead push warmer air north from the south. — Luke Parker, Baltimore Sun, 12 Oct. 2026 Here’s a bonus — this tropical fuse with the jet stream will be enough to string out some snow across the high peaks of the Sierra, with some even working down to places like South Lake Tahoe. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jet stream

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jet stream was in 1947

Rhymes for jet stream

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Browse Nearby Words

jetson
jet stream
jettage
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Cite this Entry

“Jet stream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jet%20stream. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jet stream

noun
: a long narrow wandering current of high-speed winds blowing from a generally westerly direction several miles above the earth's surface

More from Merriam-Webster on jet stream

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jet stream

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