thunderbolt

noun

thun·​der·​bolt ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt 

1

a

: a single discharge of lightning with the accompanying thunder

b

: an imaginary elongated mass cast as a missile to earth in the lightning flash

2

a

: a person or thing that resembles lightning in suddenness, effectiveness, or destructive power

b

: a vehement threat or censure

Examples of thunderbolt in a Sentence

He was struck dead by a thunderbolt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Check out the new record-breaking show, complete with rudimentary motion graphics, soaring rainbow birds, thunderbolts crashing down from heaven, a wild 3D drone mothership, complete with screens on the sides, and a stunning 3D representation of the city of Shenzhen itself. —New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2024

But even in a relatively small amount of screen time, the rawness of Manville’s performance hits like a thunderbolt. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2024

And just after the hour mark, the home side doubled its lead in the most impressive fashion thanks to a thunderbolt strike from Debast. —Ben Morse, CNN, 18 Sep. 2024

As the story is set in the modern-day, KAOS' Zeus swapped the white Grecian robes for designer-looking outfits, complete with thunderbolt accents. —Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

thunderbolt

noun

thun·​der·​bolt ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt 

: a flash of lightning and the thunder that follows it