How to Pronounce Thunder

To pronounce "thunder", say THUND-er — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈθʌndə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

thunder

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈθʌndə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “thunder”

"thunder" has 2 syllables: thund-er. It rhymes with blunder and plunder, if that helps it stick.

What does thunder mean?

noun

The loud rumbling, cracking, or crashing sound caused by expansion of rapidly heated air around a lightning bolt.
“Thunder is preceded by lightning.”
A deep, rumbling noise resembling thunder.
“Off in the distance, he heard the thunder of hoofbeats, signalling a stampede.”

verb

To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity; often used impersonally.
“It thundered continuously.”
To make a noise like thunder.
“The train thundered along the tracks.”

Hear “thunder” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with thunder

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

blunder plunder sunder under asunder under-

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "thunder"?▾

"Thunder" has 2 syllables: thund · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "thunder"?▾

The IPA transcription of "thunder" is /ˈθʌndə/.

What does "thunder" mean?▾

Thunder: The loud rumbling, cracking, or crashing sound caused by expansion of rapidly heated air around a lightning bolt.

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