# thunderbolt

/ˈθəndɝˌbɔɫt/ (US) · /θˈʌndəbˌəʊlt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thunderbolt
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a flash of lightning and the loud sound of thunder that happen at the same time. It can also describe a sudden, shocking event that changes everything.

For teachers: a single discharge of lightning with its accompanying crash of thunder. Often used figuratively to describe a sudden and overwhelming event or piece of news.

## Examples

- The old oak tree was split in half by a thunderbolt.
- The news of the company's sudden closure hit the employees like a thunderbolt on a Monday morning.
- In ancient mythology, the thunderbolt was often depicted as a physical weapon wielded by gods to demonstrate their absolute power over the natural and mortal worlds.

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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.