thunderstorm

/ˈθʌn.dər.stɔːrm/

violent rain storm with thunder and lightning

The outdoor event was canceled due to the approaching thunderstorm.

The storm with thunder and lightning forced the cancellation of the event.

general

A storm characterized by heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.

We stayed inside during the thunderstorm to avoid getting wet.

They avoided going outside because of the storm.

The thunderstorm knocked out the power for several hours.

The storm caused a power outage.

Thunderstorms can range from mild to severe, sometimes producing hail or strong winds.

Collocations

severe thunderstorma very intense thunderstormthunderstorm warningofficial alert about an expected thunderstormafter the thunderstormfollowing the storm

Use 'thunderstorm' to describe weather events with both thunder and lightning. Avoid using it for rain without thunder/lightning.

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. You can say 'a storm with thunder and lightning' but not 'a thunderstorm without lightning'.

From Old English 'þunor' (thunder) + 'storm' (storm). The word 'þunor' is related to Old Norse 'þunor' and Old High German 'dunur'.

Common in weather forecasts and descriptions of natural disasters. Often associated with sudden, intense weather changes.

thunder

loud noise caused by lightning

root

storm

violent weather with wind and rain

root

English Dictionary