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 Drive past jaw-dropping sights, like Native Alaskan totem poles, snowcapped mountains, and thunderous waterfalls. Janice Wald Henderson, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2024 Turner’s thunderous drumming soundtracked all of it. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024 Those were the days when the rapids, reduced to just 14 churning miles from their historic 41, ended below a thunderous falls called Big Drop 3. Cassidy Randall, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2024 The thunderous drums and cymbals that announce the beginning and end of movements. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 While Giz’s thunderous voice and gift for capitalizing on the visual appeal of his suits have gained him an audience, the blowback from his community has hit him personally. Millan Verma, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024 Tracy Tilley, corporate sales manager at the Holiday Inn across 6th Street, won’t be complaining either, despite the thunderous roar from next door. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2024 Durant threw down his thunderous dunk — while being fouled — and hit the free throw to push Phoenix ahead 93-80 with 8:51 left. David Brandt, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2024 The drums on this track sound thunderous in the default EQ mode, but there's still plenty of room for Callahan’s rich baritone vocals, which get some additional treble presence. PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thunderous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thunderous was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near thunderous

Cite this Entry

“Thunderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderous. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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