weathercast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MidFormal to Semi-Formal, typically journalistic
Quick answer
What does “weathercast” mean?
A brief broadcast that predicts and reports the weather, typically on television or radio.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A brief broadcast that predicts and reports the weather, typically on television or radio.
The specific segment within a news programme or dedicated channel presenting weather forecasts, often featuring maps, graphics, and meteorological data.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. It is arguably more common and institutionalised in American media (e.g., "Eyewitness News weathercast") where it can be a branded segment. In the UK, 'weather forecast' or 'weather report' is often more natural.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and technical than 'weather report'.
Frequency
Higher frequency in North American media contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “weathercast” in a Sentence
watch [the] weathercastpresent [a/the] weathercasttune in for [the] weathercastVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weathercast” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The weathercast segment was pre-recorded.
American English
- The weathercast graphics were state-of-the-art.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the broadcast industry to schedule programming segments.
Academic
Rare; 'meteorological report' is preferred.
Everyday
Limited; 'weather' or 'forecast' is more common.
Technical
Specific term in media and communication studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weathercast”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weathercast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weathercast”
- Using 'weathercast' interchangeably as a verb (to weathercast is non-standard; 'to present the weathercast' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms, but 'weathercast' specifically implies a broadcast (TV/radio) format, while 'forecast' can be written or spoken in any context.
No, 'weathercast' is not a standard verb. Say "I'll present/give the weathercast" or "I'll do the weather."
It is a standard but specific term. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say "the weather" or "the forecast." It's more common in media industry jargon.
A weathercast is a type of weather report that is broadcast. A 'report' could also be a written document or a spoken summary not necessarily designed for mass media.
A brief broadcast that predicts and reports the weather, typically on television or radio.
Weathercast is usually formal to semi-formal, typically journalistic in register.
Weathercast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweðəˌkɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweðərˌkæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a face for radio and a voice for weathercasting (humorous/sarcastic remark).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a weather report being CAST (broadcast) across the airwaves.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A DELIVERED PACKAGE (The weather is 'cast' or thrown to an audience).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate context for using the word 'weathercast'?