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.

The cables can be deadly, especially in thunderstorms, when they become a slippery lightning rod.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The hematologist-oncologist quickly became a lightning rod by rejecting rare disease therapies.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The film is lightning in a bottle, magic that only stands to have its smoke dispersed and mirrors cracked by the unnecessary impositions of the dreaded Hollywood sequel.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Before his resignation, McSweeney became a lightning rod for discontent with Downing Street.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Like a bolt of lightning, it hit me.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

lightning

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing lightning

Physical Geography - Introductory

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lightning

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing lightning

Physical Geography - Introductory

Name On: Pro Sports Team Names, Part 2

Weather and Climate - Introductory