thunder

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Literary

n. a deep, heavy sound that reminds you of a storm.

n. a deep, resonant, and continuous sound resembling atmospheric thunder.

“We could hear the thunder of the waterfall long before we saw it.”

“The distant thunder of heavy machinery signaled that the construction crew had begun clearing the site for the new stadium.”

A2 · Elementary

v. when the sky makes a loud noise during a storm.

v. to produce the sound of thunder during a meteorological event; used impersonally with 'it'.

“It started to thunder just as we were finishing our picnic in the park.”

“The sky grew dark and it began to thunder, forcing the referee to suspend the match for the safety of the players.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to move very fast while making a loud, heavy noise.

v. to move with great speed and resonance, typically creating a heavy vibration.

“The express train thundered through the small station without stopping.”

“A herd of wild horses thundered across the plains, kicking up clouds of dust that obscured the horizon.”

C1 · Advanced Literary · Formal

v. to shout something in a very loud, angry, or powerful voice.

v. to utter something with a loud, forceful, or threatening tone.

“The judge thundered at the lawyer to sit down and be quiet.”

“The preacher thundered his message from the pulpit, his voice echoing off the stone walls of the ancient cathedral.”