1 hailstone | Definition of hailstone

hailstone

noun
hail·​stone | \ ˈhāl-ˌstƍn How to pronounce hailstone (audio) \

Definition of hailstone

: a pellet of hail

Examples of hailstone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The earlier study, of five skeletal samples, found three with unhealed compression fractures, perhaps inflicted by huge hailstones, although that conclusion is open to debate. Robin George Andrews, New York Times, "The Mystery of the Himalayas’ Skeleton Lake Just Got Weirder," 26 Aug. 2019 That could increase the hailstone’s final official value, according to the Colorado Climate Center. Chris Bianchi, The Denver Post, "It’s official: Colorado has a new largest hailstone on record," 14 Aug. 2019 Fun fact The largest hailstone recovered in the U.S. fell in Vivian, South Dakota, on June 23, 2010. Joe Taschler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The hottest place on Earth is not Wisconsin on Friday, despite what it feels like outside," 18 July 2019 The hailstones can grow as cold water droplets collide with them and freeze. NBC News, "What explains the freak hailstorm in Mexico? Here's what scientists say," 2 July 2019 The hail was accompanied by heavy rain, which washed the hailstones into huge piles in low-lying areas. NBC News, "What explains the freak hailstorm in Mexico? Here's what scientists say," 2 July 2019 Although the hailstones were relatively small, measuring less than 1 centimeter across, Agence France-Presse notes that the deluge was strong enough to damage some 200 local homes and businesses, as well as at least 50 vehicles. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "A Summer Hailstorm Buried the Mexican City of Guadalajara Under Ice," 2 July 2019 Even if those shockwaves reached high enough, there’s no scientific proof to suggest that pressurized air would stop hailstones from forming or falling. Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Farmers Accuse Volkswagen of Causing a Drought With Its Weather Machines," 23 Aug. 2018 Possibly the largest was hailstones the size of baseballs reported by a storm chaser in the Cullman area. Leigh Morgan, AL.com, "How many tornadoes hit Alabama on Monday? NWS teams to survey storm damage," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hailstone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hailstone

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for hailstone

hailstone

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hailstone

: a piece of hail

hailstone

noun
hail·​stone | \ ˈhāl-ˌstƍn How to pronounce hailstone (audio) \

Kids Definition of hailstone

: a lump of hail

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More from Merriam-Webster on hailstone

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with hailstone

Spanish Central: Translation of hailstone

Nglish: Translation of hailstone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hailstone