1. a flash of lightning with a simultaneous crash of thunder
2. a sudden shocking or startling event or piece of news
Usage: figurative
3. in mythology, a weapon or bolt of lightning hurled by a god
Usage: mythology

Examples

• The thunderbolt lit up the entire sky during the storm.
• A thunderbolt struck the old oak tree in our backyard.
• The news of his resignation came like a thunderbolt.
• Her sudden departure was a thunderbolt to the family.
• Zeus wielded thunderbolts as his primary weapon.
• The thunderbolt crashed so loudly it shook the windows.
• The announcement hit the company like a thunderbolt.