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

No immediate reports of damage or tsunami warnings were issued in connection with either event. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

However, based on the volcano's eruption patterns, the upcoming eruption is very unlikely to impact humans or property or cause tsunami waves. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025

All the statues are missing their heads and feet — damage that Ismail attributes to a natural disaster such as a tsunami or earthquake, according to AFP. —Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Just as an earthquake can trigger a tsunami that crosses an entire ocean, even a distant hurricane can whip up beach surf. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 19 Aug. 2025

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"