Thunderstorm vs. Thunder — What's the Difference?

A thunderstorm, also known as an electrical storm or a lightning storm, is a storm characterized by the presence of lightning and its acoustic effect on the Earth's atmosphere, known as thunder. Relatively weak thunderstorms are sometimes called thundershowers.

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble (brontide) to a sudden, loud crack.

A storm with thunder and lightning and typically also heavy rain or hail.

The crashing or booming sound produced by rapidly expanding air along the path of the electrical discharge of lightning.

A transient, sometimes violent storm of thunder and lightning, often accompanied by rain and sometimes hail.

A sound that resembles or suggests thunder.

A storm consisting of thunder and lightning produced by a cumulonimbus, usually accompanied with heavy rain, wind, and sometimes hail; and in rarer cases sleet, freezing rain, or snow.

To produce thunder.

A storm accompanied with lightning and thunder.

To produce sounds like thunder.

A storm resulting from strong rising air currents; heavy rain or hail along with thunder and lightning

To move while making a loud noise

To utter loud, vociferous remarks or threats.

To express violently, commandingly, or angrily; roar.

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

A deep, rumbling noise resembling thunder.

An alarming or startling threat or denunciation.

(obsolete) The discharge of electricity; a thunderbolt.

(figuratively) The spotlight.

(impersonal) To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity.

(intransitive) To make a noise like thunder.

(ergative) To (make something) move very fast (with loud noise).

To say (something) with a loud, threatening voice.

To produce something with incredible power.

The sound which follows a flash of lightning; the report of a discharge of atmospheric electricity.

The discharge of electricity; a thunderbolt.

Any loud noise; as, the thunder of cannon.

An alarming or statrling threat or denunciation.

To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity; - often used impersonally; as, it thundered continuously.

Fig.: To make a loud noise; esp. a heavy sound, of some continuance.

To utter violent denunciation.

To emit with noise and terror; to utter vehemently; to publish, as a threat or denunciation.

A deep prolonged loud noise

A booming or crashing noise caused by air expanding along the path of a bolt of lightning

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Move fast, noisily, and heavily;

Utter words loudly and forcefully;

Be the case that thunder is being heard;

To make or produce a loud noise;