thunderstorm

noun

thun·​der·​storm ˈthən-dər-ˌstȯrm How to pronounce thunderstorm (audio)
: a storm accompanied by lightning and thunder

Examples of thunderstorm in a Sentence

There are thunderstorms in the forecast. The weather service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning.
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.
Small amounts of antimatter are also produced by lightning during a thunderstorm but they are almost instantly annihilated by matter, Vaudo notes. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025 Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing tornadoes, though not always. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 Most tornadoes are created by a supercell—a strong thunderstorm with a rotating updraft of air. Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thunderstorm

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thunderstorm was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Thunderstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderstorm. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

thunderstorm

noun
thun·​der·​storm -ˌstȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce thunderstorm (audio)
: a storm accompanied by lightning and thunder
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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