noun
tsunami
soo-NAH-mee
noun
1
A huge, destructive sea wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake or eruption.
"The earthquake triggered a tsunami that devastated the coastline."
"Warning sirens sounded along the coast as the tsunami approached."
2
A sudden, overwhelming surge of something.
"The company faced a tsunami of complaints after the price hike."
How to Use Tsunami
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA massive ocean wave caused by a major disturbance like an earthquake, or figuratively any overwhelming wave of something.
Common pairings
tsunami warning
a tsunami of
Word Forms
tsunami plural, tsunamis plural
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The earthquake triggered a _____ that devastated the coastline.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese tsunami, literally "harbour wave," from tsu ("harbour") and nami ("wave").