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

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

Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. —Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 18 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