thunderstorm

noun

thun·​der·​storm ˈthən-dər-ˌstȯrm How to pronounce thunderstorm (audio)
Synonyms of thunderstormnext
: 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.
It was instead caused by cold air plummeting to the ground from the upper levels of a passing thunderstorm, experts says. — Mark Price july 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026 Above the freezing level, droplets become ice crystals whose collisions separate electrical charges, as in an ordinary thunderstorm. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail are expected in the Southeast and the northern High Plains. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The soaking system will be spawned by a pocket of energy that fired up severe thunderstorms in parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley on Monday. — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 27 July 2026 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

Rhymes for thunderstorm

See All Rhymes for thunderstorm

Browse Nearby Words

thunderstone
thunderstorm
thunderstorm cirrus
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Cite this Entry

“Thunderstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderstorm. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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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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