thunderstorm

American  

[thuhn-der-stawrm] / ˈθʌn dərˌstɔrm /

noun

• thunderstorms
  plural

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

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thunderstorm British  

/ ˈθʌndəˌstɔːm /

noun

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

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thunderstorm Scientific  

/ thŭn′dər-stôrm′ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• thunderstorms
  plural

Etymology

Origin of thunderstorm

First recorded in 1645–55; thunder + storm

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thunderstorm thunderstorms

Farther south in San Diego County, temperatures in inland coastal valleys hovered between 105 and 110 degrees and a thunderstorm in the Pauma Valley produced 50 mph winds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026

I got to see what a Northeast thunderstorm was like and see the big hill that kids slide down.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

The stakes go far beyond daily routines or vacation itineraries; small businesses lose out on potential foot traffic and revenue whenever a thunderstorm icon appears, even if it’s bright and sunny outside.

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

A Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning remains in force across northern England and north Wales until 10:00 BST on Thursday.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

A thunderstorm broke open, and with a strength as mighty as the thirst of crops and animals, the rain poured down on our heads.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

The findings suggest that thunderstorms developing near the lower level circulation may play a more active role in storm organization than simply serving as a visible sign that strengthening is underway.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026

That brings more rain and storms to the southern U.S., flooding and coastal erosion to California, and severe thunderstorms to the Gulf states.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

Severe convective storms are damaging storms that can include thunderstorms with lightning, tornadoes or destructive winds, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026

Tropical moisture began to move into the region Saturday night, bringing the chance for some significant rainfall Sunday, as well as the possibility of thunderstorms.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026

Harry knew better than to think the match would be canceled; Quidditch matches weren’t called off for trifles like thunderstorms.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

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