tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnä-mē 

plural tsunamis also tsunami

: a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption : tidal wave

tsunamic

(t)su̇-ˈnä-mik 

adjective

Examples of tsunami in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) had cautioned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 km of the epicenter. — Uriel Blanco, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

In the town of Suchiate, located along the river that separates Mexico from Guatemala, coastal areas are being monitored for tsunami risk, according to Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

Researchers have figured out how to develop hurricane warnings, tsunami warnings, even an earthquake early warning system. — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from tsu harbor + nami wave

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tsunami

• salami
• tatami
• thalami
• balmy
• brahmi
• commie
• mommy
• palmy
• rami
• saami
• swami
• swamy

Kids Definition

tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnäm-ē 

: a great sea wave produced especially by an earthquake or volcanic eruption under the sea : tidal wave

Etymology

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