jet stream

noun

: a long narrow meandering current of high-speed winds near the tropopause blowing from a generally westerly direction and often exceeding a speed of 250 miles (402 kilometers) per hour

Examples of jet stream in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here’s a bonus — this tropical fuse with the jet stream will be enough to string out some snow across the high peaks of the Sierra, with some even working down to places like South Lake Tahoe. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 While Isaias strengthened, vertical shear also started increasing – not due to El Niño, but because the jet stream tends to dip farther south as autumn sets in. — Christopher Davis, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 During El Niño years, the Pacific jet stream shifts south, which means hiking conditions in the Northeast could be warmer and drier than usual, while treks in parts of the southern US could be wetter. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 Strong El Niño events can alter atmospheric circulation and influence the jet stream. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jet stream

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jet stream was in 1947

Rhymes for jet stream

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Browse Nearby Words

jetson
jet stream
jettage
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Cite this Entry

“Jet stream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jet%20stream. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jet stream

noun
: a long narrow wandering current of high-speed winds blowing from a generally westerly direction several miles above the earth's surface

More from Merriam-Webster on jet stream

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jet stream

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