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Definitions

lightning

[lahyt-ning] / ˈlaɪt nɪŋ /
NOUN
electrical discharge
Synonyms
STRONG
bolt fulmination
WEAK
firebolt

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for lightning?
A single streak of lightning can be called a lightning bolt or just a bolt. Since thunder and lightning typically go together, this is sometimes called a thunderbolt or even a thunderstroke. The bright light released is sometimes called a flash of lightning. The instance of lightning hitting something, like the ground or a tower, can be called a lightning strike or a lightning stroke.  Thunderstorms are sometimes called lightning storms, especially when they produce a lot of lightning. Another term for this is an electrical storm.  Some people use the term heat lightning to refer to distant lightning, typically the far-off kind that lights up the clouds on the horizon without any visible bolts or audible thunder. It’s sometimes called summer lightning. The term sheet lightning can be used to refer to this or to lightning that appears to light up the whole sky, typically due to reflection or being inside a cloud. A rare form of lightning that appears as a glowing orb is called ball lightning.  Technically speaking, lightning is an electrical discharge—inside a cloud, between clouds, or between clouds and the ground. When lightning strikes a cloud or the ground, it can produce a second bolt that travels in the opposite direction, called reverse lightning or a return stroke. The adjectives fulminous and fulgurous can be used to describe things involving or relating to lightning, but they are quite formal and uncommon. The word lightning is also commonly used in a figurative way to describe things that are very fast, as in lightning speed.
How do you use lightning in a sentence?
Because literal lightning is so strikingly impressive, it’s commonly used in figurative and metaphorical ways, especially in descriptions involving speed, explosiveness, and sudden impact. Here are some examples of lightning in a sentence:
  • Did you know that thunder is sound waves generated by the expansion of air resulting from the heat produced by lightning?
  • Her idea was like lightning for our brainstorming session—it electrified us into a creative frenzy. 
  • The cat darted across the room as fast as lightning.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Defence analysts say that a lightning operation to take Greenland could be done relatively easily, but the fallout would be monumental.

From BBC

With the season on the line though, Jackson still had time to lead a lightning quick response to set-up a 44-yard field goal with the last kick of the game for the win.

From BBC

Movie producers, directors and studio executives are about to commence their annual lightning bottling ceremony — Tinseltown’s version of Groundhog Day.

From Salon

But can lightning strike twice in a season?

From Los Angeles Times

The Met Office said lightning could be an additional hazard and added that it was likely that frequent and heavy snow showers would disrupt travel.

From BBC

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.