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Definition of thunderbolt

thunderbolt

/ˈθʌn.dɚ.boʊlt/
thun · der · bolt
Plural:thunderbolts
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thunderbolt Lexical Profile

thunderbolt Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A flash of lightning accompanied by a simultaneous crash of thunder, or a mythical shaft believed to be hurled by a deity as a weapon.

Example

"A sudden thunderbolt split the ancient oak tree in the middle of the pasture."

2

An unexpected, sudden, and shocking event, piece of news, or realization.

Example

"The announcement of the company's abrupt closure came as a thunderbolt to the entire staff."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for thunderbolt

• Nearby Words

thunbergia
thunder
thunderbird
thunderbolt
thunderclap
thundercloud
thunderhead

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late Middle English as a compound of 'thunder' and 'bolt', originally reflecting the ancient belief that lightning strikes were physical, dart-like missiles hurled from the sky by a deity.

Cite this Entry

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