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
In Greece, the job of storm god passed to Zeus, though Perkwuhnos’ name persisted, half disguised, in Zeus’ thunderbolt, Keraunos.
—
Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
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 news hit Cadrez like a thunderbolt.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thunderbolt
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Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
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 news hit Cadrez like a thunderbolt.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thunderbolt
Cite this Entry
“Thunderbolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderbolt. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thunderbolt
noun
thun·der·bolt
ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt
: a flash of lightning and the thunder that follows it
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