Thunder vs. Thunderbolt — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 18, 2024
Thunder is the sound produced by lightning during a storm, whereas a thunderbolt refers specifically to the lightning strike itself.
Difference Between Thunder and Thunderbolt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Thunder is the auditory effect that occurs as a result of the rapid expansion of air along a lightning strike, causing a loud rumbling or crashing noise. On the other hand, a thunderbolt describes the actual discharge of lightning that produces the thunder.
While thunder can be heard without a visible lightning strike, indicating it is far away, a thunderbolt is the visible flash that often precedes the sound of thunder, indicating the lightning's location.
Thunder's sound can vary from a sharp, loud crack to a long, low rumble depending on the distance and nature of the lightning, whereas a thunderbolt can appear as a single powerful streak or a branched series of streaks in the sky.
The duration of thunder can last much longer than the flash of a thunderbolt, which is typically brief and fleeting.
While thunder is generally safe to hear from a distance, witnessing a thunderbolt can be dangerous if one is too close to the strike zone.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Sound caused by lightning
The lightning strike itself
Visibility
Auditory only
Visible phenomenon
Relation to Storm
Follows lightning
Part of the storm’s electrical discharge
Duration
Longer, can last several seconds
Brief, momentary flash
Safety
Safe if indoors or at a safe distance
Dangerous close up
Compare with Definitions
Thunder
A loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash.
The sudden clap of thunder startled the dog.
Thunderbolt
A visible discharge of atmospheric electricity.
A brilliant thunderbolt lit up the night sky.
Thunder
Metaphorically, any loud, resonant sound.
The thunder of the waterfall could be heard miles away.
Thunderbolt
Often used to describe a sudden and unexpected event.
The news struck like a thunderbolt.
Thunder
A series of loud sounds following lightning, caused by the expansion of rapidly heated air.
We listened to the rolling thunder as the storm approached.
Thunderbolt
A traditional symbol of power and swiftness.
The corporate logo featured a thunderbolt to symbolize rapid service.
Thunder
The sound that signals a storm is nearby.
Thunder in the distance suggested we cancel our picnic.
Thunderbolt
An object resembling a lightning strike, used decoratively.
Her necklace had a pendant shaped like a thunderbolt.
Thunder
To make a loud, resounding noise.
The engines thundered as the plane took off.
Thunderbolt
A powerful, forceful strike or attack.
The boxer's punch came down like a thunderbolt.
Thunder
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.
Thunderbolt
A thunderbolt or lightning bolt is a symbolic representation of lightning when accompanied by a loud thunderclap. In Indo-European mythology, the thunderbolt was identified with the 'Sky Father'; this association is also found in later Hellenic representations of Zeus and Vedic descriptions of the vajra wielded by the god Indra.
Thunder
The crashing or booming sound produced by rapidly expanding air along the path of the electrical discharge of lightning.
Thunderbolt
A discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder.
Thunder
A sound that resembles or suggests thunder.
Thunderbolt
A flash of lightning conceived as a bolt or dart hurled from the heavens.
Thunder
To produce thunder.
Thunderbolt
A startling, forceful action
"Every political campaign manager saves a thunderbolt for the last week before Election Day" (Art Buchwald).
Thunder
To produce sounds like thunder.
Thunderbolt
A flash of lightning accompanied by a crash of thunder.
Thunder
To move while making a loud noise
The express train thundered past us.
Thunderbolt
(figuratively) An event that is terrible, horrific or unexpected.
News of the actress’s death came as a thunderbolt to her fans.
Thunder
To utter loud, vociferous remarks or threats.
Thunderbolt
Vehement threatening or censure; especially, ecclesiastical denunciation; fulmination.
Thunder
To express violently, commandingly, or angrily; roar.
Thunderbolt
(soccer) A very powerful shot.
Thunder
The loud rumbling, cracking, or crashing sound caused by expansion of rapidly heated air around a lightning bolt.
Thunder is preceded by lightning.
Thunderbolt
(paleontology) A belemnite, or thunderstone.
Thunder
A deep, rumbling noise resembling thunder.
Off in the distance, he heard the thunder of hoofbeats, signalling a stampede.
Thunderbolt
(heraldry) A charge in the form of two joined bundles with four rays of lightning emerging from them, resembling the thunderbolt of Jupiter.
Thunder
An alarming or startling threat or denunciation.
Thunderbolt
A daring or irresistible hero.
Thunder
(obsolete) The discharge of electricity; a thunderbolt.
Thunderbolt
A shaft of lightning; a brilliant stream of electricity passing from one part of the heavens to another, or from the clouds to the earth.
Thunder
(figuratively) The spotlight.
Shortly after I announced my pregnancy, he stole my thunder with his news of landing his dream job.
Thunderbolt
Something resembling lightning in suddenness and effectiveness.
The Scipios' worth, those thunderbolts of war.
Thunder
(impersonal) To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity.
It thundered continuously.
Thunderbolt
Vehement threatening or censure; especially, ecclesiastical denunciation; fulmination.
He severely threatens such with the thunderbolt of excommunication.
Thunder
(intransitive) To make a noise like thunder.
The train thundered along the tracks.
Thunderbolt
A belemnite, or thunderstone.
Thunder
(ergative) To (make something) move very fast (with loud noise).
Thunderbolt
A discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
Thunder
To say (something) with a loud, threatening voice.
"Get back to work at once!", he thundered.
Thunderbolt
A shocking surprise;
News of the attack came like a bombshell
Thunder
To produce something with incredible power.
Thunder
The sound which follows a flash of lightning; the report of a discharge of atmospheric electricity.
Thunder
The discharge of electricity; a thunderbolt.
The revenging gods'Gainst parricides did all their thunders bend.
Thunder
Any loud noise; as, the thunder of cannon.
Thunder
An alarming or statrling threat or denunciation.
The thunders of the Vatican could no longer strike into the heart of princes.
Thunder
To produce thunder; to sound, rattle, or roar, as a discharge of atmospheric electricity; - often used impersonally; as, it thundered continuously.
Canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
Thunder
Fig.: To make a loud noise; esp. a heavy sound, of some continuance.
His dreadful voice no moreWould thunder in my ears.
Thunder
To utter violent denunciation.
Thunder
To emit with noise and terror; to utter vehemently; to publish, as a threat or denunciation.
Oracles severeWere daily thundered in our general's ear.
An archdeacon, as being a prelate, may thunder out an ecclesiastical censure.
Thunder
A deep prolonged loud noise
Thunder
A booming or crashing noise caused by air expanding along the path of a bolt of lightning
Thunder
Street names for heroin
Thunder
Move fast, noisily, and heavily;
The bus thundered down the road
Thunder
Utter words loudly and forcefully;
`Get out of here,' he roared
Thunder
Be the case that thunder is being heard;
Whenever it thunders, my dog crawls under the bed
Thunder
To make or produce a loud noise;
The river thundered below
The engine roared as the driver pushed the car to full throttle
Common Curiosities
What is a thunderbolt?
A thunderbolt is a direct discharge of electricity from a thundercloud to the ground, visible as lightning.
What is thunder?
Thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by lightning.
How far away can thunder be heard?
Thunder can be heard up to 10 miles from the lightning strike that causes it.
Is seeing a thunderbolt dangerous?
Being close enough to clearly see a thunderbolt can be dangerous due to the proximity to the lightning strike.
What safety precautions should be taken during a thunderbolt sighting?
During a thunderbolt sighting, it is advised to stay indoors, away from windows, and avoid conducting materials.
Why does thunder sound different based on distance?
The sound of thunder varies with distance due to the sound waves dispersing and echoing differently through the atmosphere.
What does a thunderbolt symbolize in mythology?
In mythology, thunderbolts are often associated with power and are considered a weapon of the gods, like Zeus or Thor.
Can thunderbolts strike the same place twice?
Yes, thunderbolts can strike the same place more than once, especially if it is a high point or a conductive structure.
What conditions are necessary for a thunderbolt to occur?
Thunderbolts occur during thunderstorms where there is significant atmospheric instability and moisture.
Can thunder occur without lightning?
Thunder does not occur without lightning, as it is a direct result of lightning.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
