noun Uncommon

typhoon

teye-FOON

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Typhoon (noun) means a powerful tropical storm that forms over the northwestern Pacific Ocean, equivalent to a hurricane elsewhere. Example: “The typhoon knocked out power across the island for days.”

noun

A powerful tropical storm that forms over the northwestern Pacific Ocean, equivalent to a hurricane elsewhere.

"The typhoon knocked out power across the island for days."

"Flights were cancelled as the typhoon approached the coast."

"Fishing boats stayed in harbour while a typhoon passed offshore."

How to use typhoon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe name used for a hurricane-strength storm when it occurs in the northwest Pacific.

UK vs US

Typhoon, hurricane, and cyclone all describe the same type of storm — the name used just depends on which ocean it forms over.

Easily confused with

hurricane → cyclone → tsunami →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: typhoons
Third person singular: typhoons
Past tense: typhooned

Test yourself on “typhoon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ knocked out power across the island for days.

Etymology

The word likely traces back to an Arabic term for a violent storm, itself possibly rooted in a Chinese phrase for "big wind," and was reshaped in English under the influence of an old Greek word for whirlwind.

Origin: Arabic

Synonyms

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cyclone tropical storm tempest

Related words

wind storm hurricane tornado cyclone tempest anticyclone

Rhymes for typhoon

noon moon soon hoon toon poon foon goon loon boon woon doon

See all rhymes for typhoon →

Frequently asked questions

What does “typhoon” mean?

The word “typhoon” means a powerful tropical storm that forms over the northwestern Pacific Ocean, equivalent to a hurricane elsewhere. In plain terms, the name used for a hurricane-strength storm when it occurs in the northwest Pacific.

How do you pronounce “typhoon”?

“Typhoon” is pronounced teye-FOON (/taɪˈfun/ in IPA).

How do you use “typhoon” in a sentence?

Here is “typhoon” used in a sentence: “The typhoon knocked out power across the island for days.”

What part of speech is “typhoon”?

“Typhoon” is a noun.

Where does the word “typhoon” come from?

The word “typhoon” comes from Arabic. The word likely traces back to an Arabic term for a violent storm, itself possibly rooted in a Chinese phrase for "big wind," and was reshaped in English under the influence of an old Greek word for whirlwind.

Is “typhoon” a common word?

“Typhoon” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between a typhoon and a hurricane?

A typhoon and a hurricane are the same type of storm, a powerful tropical cyclone, but the name depends on where it forms. Typhoon is used for storms over the northwestern Pacific Ocean, while hurricane is used for equivalent storms in the Atlantic and northeastern Pacific.

What is the difference between a typhoon and a cyclone?

Cyclone is the general term used for these storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, while typhoon is the specific regional name for the same kind of storm in the northwestern Pacific. All three terms, typhoon, hurricane, and cyclone, describe the same meteorological phenomenon in different regions.

Are typhoons and hurricanes measured on the same scale?

Since a typhoon is equivalent to a hurricane elsewhere, they are generally powerful tropical storms of comparable intensity and structure. Regional weather agencies may use their own naming and category systems, but the underlying storm type is the same.

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