tsunami
Americannoun
noun
-
a large, often destructive, sea wave produced by a submarine earthquake, subsidence, or volcanic eruption. Sometimes incorrectly called a tidal wave
-
a sudden increase in or overwhelming number or volume of
the tsunami of Olympic visitors
-
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.
-
See Note at tidal wave
Other Word Forms
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:
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.
Vocabulary lists containing tsunami
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Physical Geography - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Brace Yourself: Earthquake Words
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While stationed in Japan, Fryday helped coordinate disaster relief efforts after the 2011 tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
A tsunami of refinances followed in 2020 and 2021 as homeowners latched on to rates of 3% and lower.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026
People in Japan are still scarred by memories of a huge quake in 2011 that triggered a tsunami which killed more than 18,000 people and caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
In addition, the results suggest that parts of Doggerland persisted through major flooding events, including the Storegga tsunami about 8,150 years ago, with some areas remaining above water until roughly 7,000 years ago.
From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026
More than 470,000 people on the Tohoku coast had been forced by the earthquake, tsunami, or nuclear disaster to leave their homes.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
