1. flashes of lightning accompanied by thunder
2. sudden shocking or startling events or pieces of news
Usage: figurative
3. weapons or projectiles of the gods in mythology
Usage: mythology

Examples

• The thunderbolts lit up the dark sky during the storm.
• Zeus hurled thunderbolts at his enemies in Greek mythology.
• The announcement came like thunderbolts to the surprised audience.
• Multiple thunderbolts struck the tall building during the electrical storm.
• The news of the company’s bankruptcy hit employees like thunderbolts.
• Ancient people believed thunderbolts were weapons of angry gods.
• The meteorologist tracked several thunderbolts on the radar screen.