noun

thunderbird

THUHN-duh-burd

Thunderbird (noun) means a giant, storm-bringing bird from Indigenous North American mythology, said to create thunder with its wingbeats and lightning with its eyes. Example: “Legend says the thunderbird's wings stir up storms whenever it takes flight.”

noun

A giant, storm-bringing bird from Indigenous North American mythology, said to create thunder with its wingbeats and lightning with its eyes.

"Legend says the thunderbird's wings stir up storms whenever it takes flight."

"Totem poles in the Pacific Northwest often feature a carved thunderbird at the top."

The golden whistler, a small yellow-and-black Australian songbird, sometimes called this informally.

"Birdwatchers spotted a thunderbird singing from the eucalyptus canopy."

How to use thunderbird

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA legendary giant bird associated with storms in Native American folklore; also an informal name for a small Australian songbird.

Common pairings

thunderbird spirit thunderbird totem thunderbird legend

Word forms

thunderbirds plural

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Legend says the _____'s wings stir up storms whenever it takes flight.

Etymology

A straightforward compound of thunder and bird, translating names used in various Indigenous North American languages for this mythic creature.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “thunderbird” mean?

The word “thunderbird” means a giant, storm-bringing bird from Indigenous North American mythology, said to create thunder with its wingbeats and lightning with its eyes. In plain terms, a legendary giant bird associated with storms in Native American folklore; also an informal name for a small Australian songbird.

How do you pronounce “thunderbird”?

“Thunderbird” is pronounced THUHN-duh-burd (/ˈθʌndɚ.bɝd/ in IPA).

How do you use “thunderbird” in a sentence?

Here is “thunderbird” used in a sentence: “Legend says the thunderbird's wings stir up storms whenever it takes flight.”

What part of speech is “thunderbird”?

“Thunderbird” is a noun.

Where does the word “thunderbird” come from?

The word “thunderbird” comes from Latin. A straightforward compound of thunder and bird, translating names used in various Indigenous North American languages for this mythic creature.

How many meanings does “thunderbird” have?

“Thunderbird” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a giant, storm-bringing bird from Indigenous North American mythology, said to create thunder with its wingbeats and lightning with its eyes.