How to pronounce thunderbolt
Say it like THUHN-der-bawlt. Thunderbolt has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce thunderbolt. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- THUHN
- der
- bawlt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Thunderbolt pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- THUHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- bawltGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of thunderbolt
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: THUHN-duh-bawlt.
What does thunderbolt mean?
- A flash of lightning accompanied by a crash of thunder.
- An event that is terrible, horrific or unexpected.“News of the actress’s death came as a thunderbolt to her fans.”
- Vehement threatening or censure; especially, ecclesiastical denunciation; fulmination.
- To strike with a thunderbolt.
- To move swiftly and violently.
Where does thunderbolt come from?
From thunder + bolt.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying thunderbolt
How do you pronounce thunderbolt?
Say THUHN-der-bawlt. The American pronunciation is /ˈθʌndɚˌbɔlt/. In British English it is /ˈθʌndəˌbɔːlt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in thunderbolt?
Thunderbolt has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUHN). Broken into parts: THUHN · der · bawlt.
Is thunderbolt pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈθʌndəˌbɔːlt/ (THUHN-duh-bawlt).