tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnä-mē How to pronounce tsunami (audio)
plural tsunamis also tsunami
Synonyms of tsunaminext
: a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption : tidal wave
tsunamic
(t)su̇-ˈnä-mik How to pronounce tsunami (audio)
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.
But when a tsunami rocks their island, profound tragedy ensues, and immediately ups the stakes of a brief encounter. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 The Colombian Maritime Authority said in a statement that the country's Caribbean coast wasn't at risk of a tsunami. — CBS News, 25 June 2026 There is no ongoing tsunami threat, according to the US Tsunami Warning Centers. — Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 Two earthquakes rocked Venezuela leaving deadly destruction in its wake and triggering a tsunami advisory in the Caribbean. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 June 2026 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

Rhymes for tsunami

See All Rhymes for tsunami

Browse Nearby Words

tsumebite
tsunami
tsuris
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tsunami.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tsunami. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tsunami

Nglish: Translation of tsunami for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tsunami

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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