thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
1
a
: producing thunder
b
: making or accompanied by a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
2
thunderously adverb

Examples of thunderous in a Sentence

The audience responded with thunderous applause. the last thunderous chord of the symphony rang throughout the hall
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He could also be seen nodding his approval after the dance — and earning a thunderous round of excited shouts from the audience. Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025 He is being greeted by thunderous applause that has lasted for minutes. Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025 Haas, an Austrian sage of microtonal music, has created his own sonic forest in the Park Avenue Armory’s Drill Hall, encircling the audience with 50 pianos (each of which has about 230 strings) and a chamber ensemble (Klangforum Wien) that included a contingent of thunderous percussion. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025 There's this thunderous beat at the start of the film's soundtrack. Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thunderous

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thunderous was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

thunderous

adjective
thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
1
: producing thunder
2
: making a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
thunderously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on thunderous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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