B1noun2K

Hurricane

UK /["/ˈhʌrɪkən/"]/US /["/ˈhɜːrəkeɪn/"]/

Definition

a violent storm with very strong winds, especially in the western Atlantic Ocean

In simple words: A strong and damaging storm with very high winds and heavy rain.

Examples

  • The hurricane caused massive destruction along the coast.
  • Residents were advised to evacuate before the hurricane made landfall.
  • Meteorologists are predicting that the hurricane will strengthen as it moves north.
  • During the hurricane, we stayed indoors and listened to the news updates.
  • Emergency services prepared for the hurricane by stocking supplies and setting up shelters.

Usage notes

Used in both written and spoken contexts, especially when discussing weather or natural disasters. Avoid casual contexts; it's serious and can be dramatic.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'hurry cane' - imagine a cane that rushes through the wind.

Collocations

  • major
  • powerful
  • hit something
  • strike (something)
  • come
  • force
  • warning
  • damage
  • in a/​the hurricane
  • the eye of the hurricane

Synonyms

  • cyclone
  • typhoon
  • storm
  • tempest

Antonyms

  • calm
  • stillness
  • serenity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'typhoon' - both are similar but used in different regions.
  • Incorrect pluralization - 'hurricanes' is correct, not 'hurrican'.