thunderbolt

noun

thun·​der·​bolt ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt 

1

a

: a single discharge of lightning with the accompanying thunder

b

: an imaginary elongated mass cast as a missile to earth in the lightning flash

2

a

: a person or thing that resembles lightning in suddenness, effectiveness, or destructive power

b

: a vehement threat or censure

Examples of thunderbolt in a Sentence

He was struck dead by a thunderbolt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Franklin agreed to the mutual amnesia, though not before hurling a few thunderbolts. — Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025

In July came the thunderbolt from Washington. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025

The Administration’s swift moves against élite universities—notably taking the form of huge funding cuts—hit the schools like a thunderbolt. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2026

Nolan considered casting actors to play gods throwing thunderbolts from Mount Olympus but settled on something more primal. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for thunderbolt

• somersault
• alt
• fault
• gault
• halt
• malt
• sault
• vault
• walt
• asphalt
• assault
• basalt

Kids Definition

thunderbolt

noun

thun·​der·​bolt ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt 

: a flash of lightning and the thunder that follows it