tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnä-mē How to pronounce tsunami (audio)
plural tsunamis also tsunami
: a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption : tidal wave
tsunamic adjective

Examples of tsunami in a Sentence

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.
California reported its first tsunami waves just after 1 a.m. PT (4 a.m. ET). Chad De Guzman, Time, 31 July 2025 That earthquake churned up a massive tsunami, which slammed into the Kuril Islands in a series of three waves. Kiona N. Smith, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tsunami waves began reaching Hawaii’s coast in the early evening local time. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 30 July 2025 Guam was placed under tsunami warning, which has been canceled as well, according to NWS Guam. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tsunami

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from tsu harbor + nami wave

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tsunami was in 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tsunami.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tsunami. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

tsunami

noun
tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnäm-ē How to pronounce tsunami (audio)
: a great sea wave produced especially by an earthquake or volcanic eruption under the sea : tidal wave
Etymology

Japanese, from tsu "harbor" + nami "wave"

More from Merriam-Webster on tsunami

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