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

Authorities did not report a destructive tsunami in the latest damage assessment. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

The threat of tsunami has likely largely receded, says USGS seismologist Susan Hough, as the quake occurred on land and happened at a relatively shallow depth. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

Despite the potential danger to coastal communities near the earthquake, officials said a Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

If polls overestimated Republicans by that amount, Democrats might experience a tsunami. — Scott Clement, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 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"