# thunderbird

/ˈθəndɝˌbɝd/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thunderbird
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a powerful computer system or a large, fast car. It can also refer to a large bird from Native American stories that is said to be a powerful spirit.

For teachers: a powerful computer system or a high-performance vehicle. In a mythological context, it refers to a large, powerful bird from Native American folklore, often associated with the Thunderer or a storm spirit.

## Examples

- The company bought a new thunderbird to handle its heavy workloads.
- In the old stories, the thunderbird would fly across the sky during a storm to bring rain to the land.
- The latest iteration of the thunderbird represents a significant leap in processing power, allowing researchers to simulate complex weather patterns in real-time.

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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.