A2 noun Neutral #3,789 most common

storm

/stɔːrm/

A storm is an occurrence of bad weather characterized by strong winds and usually heavy rain, snow, or thunder. It can cause damage to buildings or disrupt travel and daily activities.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We had to stay inside because of the big storm.

We had to stay inside because of the big storm.

2

The city council issued a warning regarding the approaching tropical storm.

The city council issued a warning regarding the approaching tropical storm.

3

Check out that storm outside; it's crazy!

Check out that storm outside; it's crazy!

Word Family

Noun
storm
Verb
storm
Adverb
stormily
Adjective
stormy
Related
storminess
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'S' in Storm as a lightning bolt striking a house.

Quick Quiz

The pilot decided not to fly because there was a big ____ coming.

Correct!

The correct answer is: storm

Examples

1

We had to stay inside because of the big storm.

everyday

We had to stay inside because of the big storm.

2

The city council issued a warning regarding the approaching tropical storm.

formal

The city council issued a warning regarding the approaching tropical storm.

3

Check out that storm outside; it's crazy!

informal

Check out that storm outside; it's crazy!

4

Coastal erosion is significantly accelerated by the frequency of severe storms.

academic

Coastal erosion is significantly accelerated by the frequency of severe storms.

5

The supply chain faced delays due to a winter storm in the Midwest.

business

The supply chain faced delays due to a winter storm in the Midwest.

Word Family

Noun
storm
Verb
storm
Adverb
stormily
Adjective
stormy
Related
storminess

Common Collocations

severe storm severe storm
tropical storm tropical storm
storm damage storm damage
eye of the storm eye of the storm
weather a storm weather a storm

Common Phrases

the calm before the storm

the calm before the storm

to take by storm

to take by storm

a storm in a teacup

a storm in a teacup

Often Confused With

storm vs hurricane

A hurricane is a specific, very large type of tropical storm, while 'storm' is a general term for bad weather.

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Usage Notes

Use 'storm' as a general term for any intense weather event involving wind, rain, or snow. It is often preceded by descriptive adjectives like 'thunder', 'winter', or 'dust'.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that 'storm' is a countable noun; you must use an article like 'a' or 'the' when talking about a single event.

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Memory Tip

Think of the 'S' in Storm as a lightning bolt striking a house.

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Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'storm', related to the word 'stir', meaning to move or disturb.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (plural: storms) Can be used as a verb meaning to move angrily or attack Often used in the passive voice for damage (e.g., was damaged by the storm)
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, storms are common metaphors for difficult emotional periods or social conflict.

Quick Quiz

The pilot decided not to fly because there was a big ____ coming.

Correct!

The correct answer is: storm

Related Phrases

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