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

Despite the earthquake’s epicenter in western Colombia near the Pacific region, authorities said there was no tsunami threat. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026

The tsunami of public and private debt as well as the competition for investor demand have put upward pressure on yields, which adds to interest costs and the federal deficit. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026

In 1945, 84 percent of federal outlays were on defense, a tsunami of spending that would ebb once World War II concluded. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026

The most effective evacuations begin long before a wildfire – or hurricane or tsunami – starts. — Ashley Bosa, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 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"