- present participle of thunder.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of thundering
before 1100; Middle English thundring, Old English thunring thunder. See thunder, -ing 2, -ing 1
Explanation
Thundering describes a sound that is deep and resounding—or resembling thunder. The thundering sound of feet hurrying down the hall is one sign that school's over for the day. The sound of a thunderstorm can be described as thundering of course, but so can other loud, booming noises. You might love the thundering sound of a rock concert but hate the thundering voice of an angry parent scolding a child. This adjective comes from the verb thunder, which we can trace back to a root that means "resound."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Thundering drums and shredding guitar solos cut through the crowd as pyrotechnics and streamer cannons blast.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
Merrill was known as “the Thundering Herd,” but Rubin did not appear ready to run with the pack.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026
The Thundering Herd ended a five-game winning streak with the loss.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2023
Cam Fancher threw for two touchdowns and Rasheen Ali ran for 92 yards and a score for the Thundering Herd.
From Washington Times • Dec. 19, 2022
Thundering cheers and high-pitched whistles roar through the room.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
