WordGarden.iothunder
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /θˈʌndə/
US
- /ˈθəndər/
Meanings
Noun
the loud rumbling sound heard during a storm after lightning
a loud deep resounding noise
Verb
to make a loud deep rumbling noise or move with that kind of noise
to say something loudly and forcefully
Beyond the definition
Thunder is the loud sound that follows lightning. It can come as a sharp crack or as a long, rolling rumble, depending on how far away the lightning is. You usually see the flash first and hear the sound a moment later because light travels much faster than sound. The word can also be used as a verb when something moves or sounds with great force, like horses thundering down a road or applause thundering through a hall.
Thunder is the loud sound made by lightning. When lightning flashes, it heats the air around it very quickly. The air then expands fast and sends out a shock wave, and we hear that wave as thunder. That is why thunder and lightning are part of the same event, even though the light reaches us before the sound.
The sound can change a lot. If the lightning is close, it may sound like a sudden crack. If it is farther away, it often becomes a deep rumble. The rolling sound happens because different parts of the lightning bolt are at different distances, so the sound reaches you in stages instead of all at once.
People also use thunder in a broader, more vivid way. As a verb, it can mean to make a deep, powerful noise or to move with heavy force, as in "The train thundered past" or "Cheers thundered from the crowd." In stories and myths, thunder is often linked with power, warning, or the voice of the sky. So in everyday English, thunder can name the sound of a storm, but it can also paint a picture of strength, noise, and dramatic movement.
Examples
- 1
Distant storm
We could hear thunder in the distance as the storm moved closer.
- 2
Sudden noise
A loud clap of thunder woke me in the middle of the night.
- 3
Applause
Applause thundered through the hall as the band came back on stage.
- 4
Heavy vehicles
Trucks thundered past the house all night.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Angry command
"Get out of the water now!" Dad thundered from the shore.
- 6
Public criticism
The senator thundered against the new law in a TV interview.
- Patternthunder against + issue/law
speak about it in a very angry, forceful way
- 7
Credit stealing
She was upset that her co-worker had stolen her thunder by sharing the news first.
- Phrasesteal someone's thunder
get attention or praise that should go to someone else
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- thundernounverb
Forms
- thundering-ing formverbnoun
- thunderspluralnounverb
- thunderedpast tenseverbnoun