1
: one that twists
especially : a ball with a forward and spinning motion
2
: a tornado, waterspout, or dust devil in which the rotatory ascending movement of a column of air is especially apparent

Examples of twister 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.
Performed by legends Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, the silly song is a tongue-twister for kiddos, and the titular word, which means ‘extraordinarily good, wonderful’ even made its way into some real deal dictionaries. — Stephanie Ganz Published, Parents, 18 Oct. 2026 Isaias could produce a least a few twisters on it eastern side. — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 Some of the lyrics she was tasked with delivering were tongue-twisters, even for native Spanish speakers. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The weather service's storm survey found the twister uprooted or snapped numerous large trees and damaged structures and power poles. — Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for twister

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of twister was in 1579

Cite this Entry

“Twister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twister. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: one that twists
2
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