thunderbird

[ thuhn-der-burd ]

noun

(in the mythology of some North American Indians) a huge, eaglelike bird capable of producing thunder, lightning, and rain.

Origin of thunderbird

First recorded in 1820–30; thunder + bird

Words Nearby thunderbird

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use thunderbird in a sentence

PEGG: For most British people, the first time they get drunk is with cider—or thunderbird pear wine.
My London Getaway With Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, Stars of ‘The World’s End’ | Marlow Stern | November 18, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The program in Afghanistan is run in conjunction with the thunderbird School of Global Management.
Risky Business for Afghan Female CEOs | Louise Roug Bokkenheuser | November 5, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Some believed every storm to be a struggle between the God of Waters and the thunderbird.
Legends of The Kaw | Carrie de Voe
Most breeders name them things like Chainlightning and thunderbird.
Thy Rocks and Rills | Robert Ernest Gilbert
If we leave now we can get a real dinner at a Haitian place I know and then head over to the thunderbird.
Makers | Cory Doctorow

The hunter fitted a war arrow, the string twanged, and the arrow killed a young thunderbird.
Myths and Legends of Alaska | Various
A noise like thunder filled the air, a black shadow fell over her, and a thunderbird darted down upon her.
Myths and Legends of Alaska | Various

British Dictionary definitions for thunderbird

thunderbird

/ (ˈθʌndəˌbɜːd) /

noun

a legendary bird that produces thunder, lightning, and rain according to the folk belief of several North American Indian peoples

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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