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Meaning & use

lightning bolt

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ bəʊlt/
US/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ boʊlt/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A single flash of lightning that strikes between sky and ground.

    Grammar: Counts one strike; lightning itself is uncountable.

    Patterns

    • struck by a lightning bolt
    • a lightning bolt hit something

    A lightning bolt split the old oak in two.

    We saw a lightning bolt strike the hill.

    The hikers ran for cover as a lightning bolt crashed nearby.

  2. nouncountable

    A zigzag symbol representing electricity, speed or power.

    Grammar: Used on signs, logos and in comics.

    Patterns

    • a lightning bolt symbol

    A lightning bolt on the box warns of high voltage.

    The superhero wore a lightning bolt on his chest.

    The sports brand uses a lightning bolt as its logo.

  3. nouncountablefigurative

    Something extremely fast or sudden, used in comparison.

    Grammar: Used figuratively, often with like: quick as a lightning bolt.

    Patterns

    • like a lightning bolt

    The idea hit her like a lightning bolt.

    The sprinter was off like a lightning bolt.

    News of the merger came as a lightning bolt.

Word forms

plurallightning bolts

Common combinations

struck by a lightning bolt
A tree was struck by a lightning bolt.
flash of a lightning bolt
The flash of a lightning bolt lit the sky.
like a lightning bolt
The truth hit him like a lightning bolt.
jagged lightning bolt
A jagged lightning bolt lit the valley.
lightning bolt symbol
Look for the lightning bolt symbol on the charger.

Synonyms and how they differ

thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is more dramatic and often used in myth or for shocking news, while lightning bolt is the plain physical term.
flash of lightning
Flash of lightning describes the light, whereas lightning bolt suggests a single strike.
bolt
Bolt alone is shorter and can be confused with a metal fastener.
strike
Strike names the moment lightning hits something, not the flash itself.

Word family

lightning noun
the flash of electricity in a storm
lightning rod noun
a metal rod that guides lightning safely to the ground
thunder noun
the sound that follows lightning
bolt noun
a sudden flash or a sliding fastener

Commonly confused: lightning bolt or lightening?

lightning bolt vs lightening

Lightening, with an e, means making something lighter or less heavy; lightning in a storm has no e.

Practice

Which spelling is correct in this sentence: The tree was split by a ___ bolt.

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