Thunder
/ˈθʌndər/
nounverbB1
Definition
Thunder is the strong, loud noise you hear in the sky during a storm, caused by lightning heating the air quickly. As a verb, it means to make a loud, deep noise or to move with a heavy sound.
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See It in Action
The loud sound after lightning in a storm
- •We heard thunder and then saw lightning in the sky.
- •The thunder scared the small children during the storm.
- •Thunder can be heard from far away during a strong storm.
To make a loud, deep noise or move powerfully
- •The horses thundered across the field.
- •The drums thundered loudly in the music concert.
- •The crowd thundered their applause after the show.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "thunder" like "loud noise," but much stronger and coming from the sky or something big
- ✓Picture a dark sky with bright lightning, then a deep, booming sound that shakes the air
- ✓It's the feeling of surprise or power when you hear a big noise that makes you look up or feel a little scared
- ✓Sounds like "THUN-der" → imagine a drum beating very loudly and deeply in your chest
- ✓In stories, thunder often shows something powerful or scary is happening, like in fairy tales or movies
- ✓NOT like "rain" (water falling quietly), thunder is sound, not water
- ✓NOT like "boom" (short, sharp sound), thunder is long and rolling
- ✓NOT like "whisper" (soft sound), thunder is very loud and strong
Try Other Words
- •Roar: a loud, deep sound (Use when the sound is like a growl or animal noise, often continuous)
- •Boom: a short, loud sound (Use when the sound is quick and sharp, less long than thunder)
- •Rumble: a low, rolling sound (Use when the sound is softer and continuous, like distant thunder)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) root word "thunder"
- •Etymology: From Old English "thunor," related to the sound of storms
- •Historical development: Used for centuries to describe the loud sound in storms and loud noises in general
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for storm sounds, loud noises, and powerful movements (like horses running)
Reflect & Connect
•How does thunder affect the way we feel during a storm, and why do you think it makes some people scared?
•Can you think of times when "thunder" is used in stories or movies to show power or danger?
Fill in the blanks
1.Thunder happens because lightning ___ the air very quickly.
2.When the thunder ___, many people close their windows to keep the noise out.
3.Unlike a quick boom, thunder usually ___ for a longer time and rolls in the sky.
4.The horses thundered ___ across the field, making the ground shake.
5.People often feel ___ when they hear thunder during a dark storm.
6.Thunder is a ___ sound that comes after lightning during a storm.
7.When the drums thundered in the concert, the whole room ___ with excitement.