thunderbolt
noun
thun·der·bolt
ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt 
1
a
: a single discharge of lightning with the accompanying thunder
b
: an imaginary elongated mass cast as a missile to earth in the lightning flash
2
a
: a person or thing that resembles lightning in suddenness, effectiveness, or destructive power
b
: a vehement threat or censure
Examples of thunderbolt in a Sentence
He was struck dead by a thunderbolt.
Recent Examples on the Web
With the thunderbolt goal, Güler became the first teenager to score at a European Championship since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004, guiding Turkey to its first ever opening-game victory at the tournament across the nation’s six appearances.
—
George Ramsay, CNN, 22 June 2024
Bridgerton Author Julia Quinn Reveals Season 4 Love Story Has Already Been Chosen (Exclusive)
Then—a thunderbolt.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024
When the High Command suddenly demanded that the government immediately sue for an armistice, the announcement came like a thunderbolt.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 8 Jan. 2019
This tension will define the Democratic reaction if a Manhattan jury indeed convicts Mr. Trump in the coming days, an outcome that could land like a thunderbolt for the nation’s news media and political class.
—Nicholas Nehamas, New York Times, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for thunderbolt 
George Ramsay, CNN, 22 June 2024
Bridgerton Author Julia Quinn Reveals Season 4 Love Story Has Already Been Chosen (Exclusive)
Then—a thunderbolt.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024
When the High Command suddenly demanded that the government immediately sue for an armistice, the announcement came like a thunderbolt.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 8 Jan. 2019
This tension will define the Democratic reaction if a Manhattan jury indeed convicts Mr. Trump in the coming days, an outcome that could land like a thunderbolt for the nation’s news media and political class.
—Nicholas Nehamas, New York Times, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for thunderbolt
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thunderbolt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Thunderbolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderbolt. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thunderbolt
noun
thun·der·bolt
ˈthən-dər-ˌbōlt
: a flash of lightning and the thunder that follows it
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