Definition of "thunder" in English

noun

1. The loud rumbling, cracking, or crashing sound caused by expansion of rapidly heated air around a lightning bolt.

   • Thunder is preceded by lightning.

2. A deep, rumbling noise resembling thunder.

   • Off in the distance, he heard the thunder of hoofbeats, signalling a stampede.

3. An alarming or startling threat or denunciation.

4. (obsolete) The discharge of electricity; a thunderbolt.

5. (literature) Synonym of thunder word.

verb

1. (impersonal) To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity.

   • It thundered continuously.

2. (intransitive) To make a noise like thunder.

   • The train thundered along the tracks.

3. (ergative) To (make something) move very fast (with loud noise).

4. (intransitive, transitive) To say (something) with a loud, threatening voice.

   • "Get back to work at once!", he thundered.

5. To produce something with incredible power.