thunderstorm

[thuhn-der-stawrm]

noun

1. a transient storm of lightning and thunder, usually with rain and gusty winds, sometimes with hail or snow, produced by cumulonimbus clouds.

thunderstorm

/ ˈθʌndəˌstɔːm /

noun

1. a storm caused by strong rising air currents and characterized by thunder and lightning and usually heavy rain or hail

thunderstorm

1. A storm of heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder, wind, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms occur when moist air near the ground becomes heated, especially in the summer, and rises, forming cumulonimbus clouds that produce precipitation. Electrical charges accumulate at the bases of the clouds until lightning is discharged. Air in the path of the lightning expands as a result of being heated, causing thunder. Thunderstorms can also be caused by temperature changes triggered by volcanic eruptions and forest fires, and they occur with much greater frequency at the equatorial regions than in polar regions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thunderstorm¹

First recorded in 1645–55; thunder + storm

Example Sentences

A weak low-pressure system is expected to move through Southern California starting Saturday, bringing thunderstorms, winds and isolated showers to the region, according to the National Weather Service.

From Los Angeles Times

Shower and thunderstorms are possible anytime through Wednesday, with Tue afternoon through Wed afternoon having the highest chances.

From Los Angeles Times

On Thursday, thunderstorms rolled through the region, dropping inches of rain across the Angeles National Forest.

From Los Angeles Times

Xavier’s disappearance occurred amid a late summer monsoon storm system — remnants of Tropical Storm Mario — that brought sweltering heat and unpredictable showers and thunderstorms to the region.

From Los Angeles Times

Everyone we spoke to had a level of optimism, which was mind-blowing to me — the ability to see a rainbow in the midst of a thunderstorm — and I would love to hold onto that.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deluge 
• downpour 
• drizzle 
• flood 
• hail 
• rain 
• rainstorm 
• sleet 
• storm