thunder

The loud, deep sound in the sky during a storm, caused by lightning.

• I heard thunder.
• The thunder woke us during the night.
• Is that thunder, or is a plane passing?

Common phrases: roll of thunder, distant thunder

A very loud, deep sound, like the noise of a storm.

• The thunder of hooves grew louder.
• A thunder of applause filled the hall.
• We heard the thunder of heavy trucks outside.

How to use it: the thunder of something (The thunder of engines drowned out his voice.)

Similar words: roar, rumble

Common phrases: thunder of applause, thunder of hooves

To make a loud, deep noise, often while moving.

• A train thundered past.
• The horses thundered across the bridge.
• Heavy trucks thunder down this road all night.

Similar words: roar, rumble

Common phrases: thunder past someone, thunder down something

When it does this, loud, deep sounds come from the sky during a storm.

• It started to thunder.
• It thundered while we were walking home.
• Does it often thunder here in summer?

How to use it: it thunders (It thundered several times before the rain began.)

Common phrases: begin to thunder, thunder all night

To speak or shout in a very loud, powerful, and threatening voice.

• “Leave!” she thundered.
• The captain thundered orders across the deck.
• He thundered at the workers for being late.

How to use it: thunder at someone (The manager thundered at everyone in the room.)

Similar words: roar, bellow

Common phrases: thunder a warning, thunder at someone