thunderclap

noun

thun·​der·​clap ˈthən-dər-ˌklap 

1

: a clap of thunder

2

: something sharp, loud, or sudden like a clap of thunder

Synonyms of thunderclap

• clap
• bang
• boom
• blast
• pop
• roar
• slam
• crash

Examples of thunderclap in a Sentence

I was awakened by a thunderclap.

awakened by the thunderclap of a large branch falling on the roof

Recent Examples on the Web

Enhanced by Aidan Cole’s thunderclaps, along with music underscoring key monologues, the sound design helps bring everything together. —Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

For all the thunderclap significance of 1848, Seneca Falls is a monument to women’s patience and frustration, and to the friendships that were needed to sustain their movement through the decades ahead. —Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026

The heavy snow will muffle the sound -- or thunderclap -- so it can only be heard up to about three miles. —February 22, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026

Cue a thunderclap and a statue of Jesus dripping a tear of blood. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thunderclap

• handicap
• overlap
• wiretap
• app
• cap
• chap
• clap
• crap
• flap
• frap
• gap
• hap

Kids Definition

thunderclap

noun

thun·​der·​clap -ˌklap 

1

: a clap of thunder

2

: something sharp, loud, or sudden like a clap of thunder