thunderclap

[thuhn-der-klap]

noun

1. a crash of thunder.

2. something resembling a thunderclap, as in loudness or unexpectedness.

thunderclap

/ ˈθʌndəˌklæp /

noun

1. a loud outburst of thunder

2. something as violent or unexpected as a clap of thunder

Word History and Origins

Origin of thunderclap¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, thunderclap is from Middle English thonder clappe. See thunder, clap ¹

Example Sentences

His chapters end with a wink as often as a thunderclap.

From Los Angeles Times

The sound, often described as an explosion or thunderclap, can be heard over a large area because it moves with the plane, similar to the wake of a boat spreading out behind a vessel.

From BBC

We thought there would be a reaction but nobody could have foreseen this absolute thunderclap.

From BBC

He made a video reacting to the thunderclaps in the Radiohead song “Creep,” and once again, a million views in a day.

From Los Angeles Times

A local resident told Yonhap that he had been watching television at home when the explosion, which sounded "like a thunderclap", shook the house.

From BBC

Related Words

• blast 
• clash