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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use thunderbird in a sentence

When the thunderbirds shake their wings favorably, it rains.
North Dakota | Various
LONG, long ago there were many thunderbirds living in the mountains, but at last there were only two left.
Myths and Legends of Alaska | Various
One day when a fisherman went to look at his traps, he cautioned his wife not to leave the house for fear of the thunderbirds.
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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