microburst: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “microburst” mean?
A very intense, localized downdraft of air that hits the ground and spreads out, often causing sudden destructive winds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very intense, localized downdraft of air that hits the ground and spreads out, often causing sudden destructive winds.
By metaphorical extension, a very brief, intense, and concentrated event or activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both dialects in technical contexts. Potential minor spelling differences in related contexts (e.g., 'meteorology' vs. 'meteorology' — no difference).
Connotations
Conveys high technical specificity and danger in aviation/meteorology contexts. No dialectal connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general use, but standard and equally common in aviation and meteorological discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “microburst” in a Sentence
The [noun] microburst caused [damage/injury].A microburst [verb, past tense] over [location].Pilots are trained to recognise [potential] microbursts.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microburst” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The storm system is likely to microburst just east of the airfield.
- [Note: Verb use is highly technical and rare.]
American English
- The cell microbursted, causing significant ground damage.
- [Note: Verb use is highly technical and rare.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. Not used.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. Not used.]
adjective
British English
- The microburst activity was monitored by Doppler radar.
- Microburst winds are a major hazard during take-off.
American English
- Microburst detection systems are critical at major airports.
- They issued a microburst alert for the county.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Rare/Figurative] 'The market saw a microburst of algorithmic trading just before the bell.'
Academic
Used in meteorology, atmospheric physics, and aviation safety research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing extreme weather or aviation incidents.
Technical
Standard term in aviation weather reports (METAR/TAF), aerodrome warnings, and meteorological analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microburst”
- Confusing it with a tornado (rotating) – a microburst is straight-line winds. Using it as a general term for any strong wind.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A tornado is a rotating column of air. A microburst is a concentrated downdraft that hits the ground and spreads out in straight-line winds. Both are dangerous, but they are different phenomena.
Not directly. You might see the rain shaft or dust plume it kicks up, but the wind itself is invisible. Pilots and meteorologists use radar to detect the signature wind patterns.
Typically only 5 to 15 minutes, but its effects can be devastating.
Yes, but only metaphorically in specialised contexts like finance or computing to describe a very brief, intense surge of activity.
A very intense, localized downdraft of air that hits the ground and spreads out, often causing sudden destructive winds.
Microburst is usually technical / formal in register.
Microburst: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.krəʊ.bɜːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.bɜːrst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] A microburst of activity/energy/emotion.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MICRO' (very small area) + 'BURST' (like a sudden explosion of wind downward) = a small, explosive downburst.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSITY IS A SUDDEN, CONCENTRATED FORCE (e.g., 'a microburst of creativity').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a microburst from a tornado?