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

Next week, Jason speaks with 2025 Pulitzer Prize winner and Washington Post White House bureau chief Isaac Arnsdorf, about the blue tsunami in the 2026 midterms. — Press Freedom Desk, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

But at least for now, the blue tsunami has forced the man who mercilessly bullied his way through the last two years to do what all bullies do when confronted with a united opposition. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026

Voters’ economic concerns were central to the blue tsunami that washed over Georgia during the midterm election, flipping control of all statewide offices for the first time in decades. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026

The powerful song is an apt choice to cover now following this week’s midterm elections results, a blue tsunami happily celebrated by many music fans. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 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"