thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
1
a
: producing thunder
b
: making or accompanied by a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
2
thunderously adverb

Examples of thunderous in a Sentence

The audience responded with thunderous applause. the last thunderous chord of the symphony rang throughout the hall
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hailing from Gangtok, Sikkim, and now based in Bengaluru, India, the band gave the pop ballad a dramatic makeover, transforming Adele’s chart-topping hit into a full-fledged rock spectacle complete with wailing guitar solos, gritty vocals, and thunderous drums. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 June 2025 That line earned Vance his most thunderous ovation of the morning. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025 Making a thunderous sound, each erupted in bursts of flame and trailed white smoke that arced high into the air. Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 30 May 2025 Time it right after heavy summer storms and the volume of the waterfall is thunderous. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for thunderous

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thunderous was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

thunderous

adjective
thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
1
: producing thunder
2
: making a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
thunderously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on thunderous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!