thunder
UK: ˈθʌndə | US: ˈθʌndər
n. 1. The loud, explosive sound produced by lightning during a storm.
n. 2. A deep, rumbling noise resembling this sound (e.g., thunder of applause).
vi. 1. To produce thunder; to make a loud, deep noise.
thunder = thun<to resound> + der<noun suffix>
- thun (Old English þunor, from Proto-Germanic þunraz, meaning "to resound or roar")
- der (a common Germanic noun-forming suffix, often indicating an agent or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word "thunder" traces back to Old English þunor, linked to the Proto-Germanic þunraz, which imitates the roaring sound of storms. This onomatopoeic root reflects the natural association between the word and the phenomenon it describes. Over time, the spelling evolved to "thunder," retaining its core meaning of a loud, resonant noise, often tied to weather but extended metaphorically (e.g., "thunderous applause").
The thunder shook the windows during the storm.
We heard distant thunder as the clouds gathered.
The crowd’s thunder echoed through the stadium.
The volcano erupted with a sound like thunder.
His voice thundered across the room, silencing everyone.