tsunami

American  

[tsoo-nah-mee] / tsʊˈnɑ mi /

noun

1. an unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption.

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tsunami British  

/ tsʊˈnæmɪ /

noun

1. a large, often destructive, sea wave produced by a submarine earthquake, subsidence, or volcanic eruption. Sometimes incorrectly called a tidal wave

2. a sudden increase in or overwhelming number or volume of

   the tsunami of Olympic visitors

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tsunami Scientific  

/ tso̅o̅-nä′mē /

1. A very large ocean wave that is caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption and often causes extreme destruction when it strikes land. Tsunamis can have heights of up to 30 m (98 ft) and reach speeds of 950 km (589 mi) per hour. They are characterized by long wavelengths of up to 200 km (124 mi) and long periods, usually between 10 and 60 minutes.

2. See Note at tidal wave

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tsunami Cultural  

1. A large wave on the ocean, usually caused by an undersea earthquake, a volcanic eruption, or coastal landslide. A tsunami can travel hundreds of miles over the open sea and cause extensive damage when it encounters land. Also called tidal waves.

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Other Word Forms

• tsunamic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tsunami

1905–10; < Japanese, equivalent to tsu harbor (earlier tu ) + nami wave

Compare meaning

How does tsunami compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• typhoon vs. tsunami
• tsunami vs. hurricane
• tidal wave vs. tsunami
• rogue wave vs. tsunami

Explanation

A tsunami is an enormous sea wave that erupts and reaches land. You should be afraid of them, because a tsunami can destroy a coastal region in minutes. Japan has had the misfortune of experiencing many tsunamis. They're caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. In Japanese, tsu means "harbor" and nami means "wave." We sometimes use tsunami metaphorically, to describe really destructive events. After your parents came home, they compared the mess from your party to a tsunami.

Example Sentences

On the one hand, there's a supply chain tsunami - involving climate problems and geopolitical tensions - pushing up prices.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Now comes what he believes is the biggest tsunami of them all: generative artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

When faced with a tsunami, evacuation is the only effective means of ensuring civilian safety.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

Dr Higman arrived on the scene a few weeks after the tsunami hit at the Tracy Arm Fjord – a destination popular with cruise ships exploring the natural wonders of Alaska.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

And, although a tsunami near the shore is moving slower than it was at sea, it’s still moving faster than a car on a highway, usually about 100 miles per hour.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

• deluge
• downpour
• flow
• glut
• spate
• stream
• surge
• tide
• torrent
• wave