tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnä-mē 

plural tsunamis also tsunami

: a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption : tidal wave

tsunamic

(t)su̇-ˈnä-mik 

adjective

Examples of tsunami in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To better understand these risks, an international team of researchers examined the 2022 Hunga eruption in Tonga, focusing on the rapid caldera collapse that may have amplified its powerful tsunami. — Yook Ji Hun, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026

Smaller regions are also making their case; leaders of mountainous Gunma prefecture, located a short train ride from Tokyo, say they are best suited to keep the government running in the event of a tsunami. — Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Sep. 2026

Her nonprofit responded to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, wildfires in Hawaii and California and hurricanes in Florida, according to Thompson. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

The look of 24-hour cable news evolved that day, as the tsunami of information led to Fox News, MSNBC and CNN all adding running tickers at the bottom of the screen. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from tsu harbor + nami wave

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tsunami

• salami
• tatami
• thalami
• balmy
• brahmi
• commie
• mommy
• palmy
• rami
• saami
• swami
• swamy

Kids Definition

tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnäm-ē 

: a great sea wave produced especially by an earthquake or volcanic eruption under the sea : tidal wave

Etymology

Japanese, from tsu "harbor" + nami "wave"