tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnä-mē 

plural tsunamis also tsunami

: a great sea wave produced especially by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption : tidal wave

tsunamic

(t)su̇-ˈnä-mik 

adjective

Examples of tsunami in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another turning point in her life followed after the March 11, 2011, tsunami, the strongest earthquake in Japan’s recorded history. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

Or films showing a tsunami roaring in, lava racing down a mountainside, the view from inside the eye of a hurricane. —Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

The remark generated a tsunami of media commentary about Newsom’s motives and a torrent of criticism from fellow Democrats, particularly LGBTQ rights advocates. —Dan Walters, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2025

That was my experience in Thailand, during a tsunami. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from tsu harbor + nami wave

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tsunami

• salami
• tatami
• thalami
• balmy
• brahmi
• commie
• mommy
• palmy
• rami
• saami
• swami
• swamy

Kids Definition

tsunami

noun

tsu·​na·​mi (t)su̇-ˈnäm-ē 

: a great sea wave produced especially by an earthquake or volcanic eruption under the sea : tidal wave

Etymology

Japanese, from tsu "harbor" + nami "wave"