thunder

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.