thunderstorm

noun

thun·​der·​storm ˈthən-dər-ˌstȯrm How to pronounce thunderstorm (audio)
: a storm accompanied by lightning and thunder

Examples of thunderstorm in a Sentence

There are thunderstorms in the forecast. The weather service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning.
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.
Atlanta was experiencing thunderstorms on Tuesday night and several pictures surfaced of an ominous looking cloud near the Atlanta Braves baseball stadium. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Newark Liberty Airport – which has also been plagued with disruptions due to ongoing staffing shortages – was experiencing delays of a whopping four hours due to thunderstorms, with the interruptions expected to impact flights until 2:00 a.m. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for thunderstorm

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thunderstorm was in 1652

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunderstorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderstorm. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

thunderstorm

noun
thun·​der·​storm -ˌstȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce thunderstorm (audio)
: a storm accompanied by lightning and thunder
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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