What does weatherman mean?
A weatherman is a person who predicts, forecasts, or reports the weather, particularly for a television, radio, or online audience. The word is especially associated with public broadcasts that explain current conditions and expected changes in straightforward terms. It can also refer more broadly to a professional weather forecaster, although “meteorologist” normally identifies a scientist trained to study atmospheric conditions. In contemporary usage, “weatherman” explicitly identifies a man, so a gender-neutral form such as “weather presenter” or “weather forecaster” is often preferred when the person’s gender is relevant or when referring to women. Nevertheless, the traditional term remains widely understood and familiar in British and American English. The word is memorable because it is a transparent occupational compound: a weatherman is literally a person whose work concerns the weather.
nounA person who predicts, forecasts, or reports the weather, especially as a professional broadcaster.
- A person who predicts, forecasts, or reports the weather, especially in a professional or broadcast role.
"The weatherman predicted heavy rain before the weekend."
"The weatherman warned that the storm would reach the coast by evening."
"As a television weatherman, she explained the unusually warm weather to viewers."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one person in this occupation.
"Several veteran weathermen covered the approaching hurricane."
The wonderfully literal job title promises exactly what it delivers: someone whose business is telling the rest of us what the sky is about to do.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of weatherman
“Weatherman” is an English compound formed from “weather” and “man.” “Weather” derives from Old English “weder,” while “man” comes from Old English “mann.” The compound developed to designate someone who forecasts or reports the weather and shares its root with related English words such as “weathercock,” “weatherproof,” and “weathery.”
Related word forms
How weatherman is actually used
The term is neutral in register but explicitly masculine. For a woman, “weather presenter” or “weather forecaster” is usually more natural, while “meteorologist” denotes the scientific profession specifically.
Easily confused with weatherman
A weatherman presents or communicates forecasts, whereas a meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere and weather.