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

Witness the botch job that was made of assessing the 9% ratings drop in 2016, which apparently had nothing to with the usual election-year cannibalism or a tsunami of high-profile player injuries. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2026

In 2018, the volcano collapsed, triggering a huge tsunami that killed more than 400 people and displaced thousands on the country’s coastlines. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

The death toll stands at more than 1,300 after the August 26 disaster triggered by the collapse of a section of glacier, which plunged into water below setting off a tsunami-like surge. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2026

An eruption of Anak Krakatau in 2018 caused a tsunami that killed at least 430 people in Sumatra and Java. — Tatan Syuflana, Los Angeles Times, 6 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"