# thud

/ˈθəd/ (US) · /θˈʌd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thud
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a dull sound

noun · CEFR B2

the low, heavy sound made when a heavy object hits something soft or thick.

For teachers: a dull, heavy sound produced by a non-resonant impact, such as a heavy object falling onto a carpeted floor.

- The heavy book fell off the shelf and hit the floor with a loud thud.
- The silence of the library was suddenly interrupted by the heavy thud of a falling volume, causing several patrons to look up in surprise.

### 3. military aircraft

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Slang · Archaic

a nickname for a specific American fighter jet used in the Vietnam War.

For teachers: A specific nickname for the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, a supersonic fighter-bomber used extensively by the United States Air Force.

- The veteran pilot told stories about flying the Thud during his service years.
- Aviation historians often discuss the high loss rates of the Thud during the early years of the conflict in Southeast Asia.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly specific to military history and is rarely encountered outside of specialized aviation contexts or historical accounts.

## Examples

- The heavy boots made a loud thud on the wooden floor.
- The soldier heard a loud thud as the heavy artillery shell hit the ground nearby.
- The rhythmic thud of the marching boots echoed through the narrow valley, signaling the approaching advance of the armored division.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.