thunderclap

noun

thun·​der·​clap ˈthən-dər-ˌklap 

1

: a clap of thunder

2

: something sharp, loud, or sudden like a clap of thunder

Synonyms

• bang
• blast
• boom
• clap
• crack
• crash
• pop
• report
• slam
• smash
• snap
• thwack
• whack
• whomp
• whump

Examples of thunderclap in a Sentence

I was awakened by a thunderclap.

awakened by the thunderclap of a large branch falling on the roof

Recent Examples on the Web

What prepared you for the thunderclap in the midst of the backbreaking toil? —Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024

This type of headache, called a thunderclap headache, occurs quickly and without warning. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024

The news has been described as a potential 'thunderclap' in French politics, and has triggered outcry from more moderate and leftist camps. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

On Friday, calf roping starts at noon and cowboy poetry and country music kick off at 7 p.m. But plan on getting an early start because the firing of the anvil kicks things off with a thunderclap at 5 a.m. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 26 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

thunderclap

noun

thun·​der·​clap -ˌklap 

1

: a clap of thunder

2

: something sharp, loud, or sudden like a clap of thunder