thunderball

word

Definition

A 'thunderball' usually refers to a ball of lightning or energy caused by a thunderstorm, sometimes called ball lightning. It is also the name of a famous James Bond movie and a UK lottery game.

Usage & Nuances

Rare in daily conversation; usually seen in scientific discussions about ball lightning, references to the James Bond film, or the UK lottery 'Thunderball'. For the natural phenomenon, 'ball lightning' is more common in English. The word can function as a dramatic name for objects or events.

Example Sentences

The scientists studied the mysterious thunderball during the storm.

basic

Have you ever seen a thunderball in real life?

basic

We watched the movie 'Thunderball' last night.

basic

People often mistake photos of ball lightning for a thunderball from a movie.

natural

He claimed he saw a thunderball pass through the window during the thunderstorm.

natural

If I win the Thunderball jackpot, I'm going on a world trip.

natural