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.
With more showers and thunderstorms in the forecast, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of the Four Corners region — the meeting point of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. — Anna Wilder, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, says the severe thunderstorms are fueled by the large amount of moisture in the air. — Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 The National Weather Service in Flagstaff didn’t issue a tornado warning before impact, but issued a severe thunderstorm warning after radar suggests the tornado was already on the ground. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 Conditions are expected to deteriorate Sunday as more widespread showers, thunderstorms and heavy downpours move across South Florida. — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 22 Oct. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunderstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderstorm. Accessed 27 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on thunderstorm

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for thunderstorm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thunderstorm

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