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Definition of thunderbird

thunderbird

/ˈθʌn.dɚˌbɝːd/
thun · der · bird
Plural:thunderbirds
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thunderbird Lexical Profile

thunderbird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In certain Indigenous North American mythologies, a legendary, supernatural bird of immense size and power believed to generate thunder by flapping its wings and lightning by flashing its eyes.

Example

"The carved totem pole featured a majestic thunderbird with outstretched wings at its very top."

2

Australian Any of several Australian whistlers of the family Pachycephalidae, especially the golden whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis), noted for calling loudly at the sound of thunder.

Example

"As the summer storm rolled across the eucalyptus forest, the call of a thunderbird echoed through the trees."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for thunderbird

• Nearby Words

thumping
thunbergia
thunder
thunderbird
thunderbolt
thunderclap
thundercloud

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century as a loan translation (calque) of various Indigenous North American words, such as Ojibwe animikii, referring to the sacred spirit bird believed to create thunder and lightning.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Thunderbird. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/thunderbird
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