peal of thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peal of thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the sound made by a clap of thunder. For example, "The night sky was lit up by a brilliant lightning strike, followed by a loud peal of thunder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The sound, like a peal of thunder, would take a moment to reach us.

The New Yorker

"My hand shakes when I pick up a paper, every day there is something unexpected, some peal of thunder".

The New Yorker

Coincident with the ceremony, which was witnessed by scores of newspaper correspondents, there was a great peal of thunder accompanied by heavy rain.

The New York Times

We'd heard two rockslides the day before, and as we picked our way around the lake, our overweight packs throwing us off balance, we were acutely aware that a sudden peal of thunder could send down a shower far more deadly than rain.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When we hear peals of thunder, the underside of the piano lights up, glowing through the plastic.

The New Yorker

They started briskly and endeavored to maximize their efficiency on the final four holes as the peals of thunder grew louder.

The New York Times - Sports

After losing the first set, 6-1, Gibson took the second, 6-3, then fell behind by 3-0 in the third before beginning a surge that brought repeated roars from 2,000 hardy spectators who ignored the first peals of thunder and flashes of lightning of a gathering storm.

The New York Times - Sports

The sky darkened, the wind gusted and swirled, and peals of thunder boomed.

Science Magazine

Then the angel took the eye warmer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

TechCrunch

Considering this an auspicious sign, he entered the valley to choose a site for the construction of a monastery, whereupon he heard three peals of thunder – a sound produced by the druk (dragon) according to popular Bhutanese belief.

Wikipedia

Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peal of thunder" to evoke a sense of dramatic, resonant sound, often associated with storms or powerful events. It's more evocative than a simple "thunderclap".

Common error

Avoid confusing "peal" (a loud ringing) with "peel" (to remove a skin or outer layer). "Peal of thunder" refers to the sound, not a physical action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peal of thunder" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It evokes a vivid auditory image.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "peal of thunder" is a descriptive noun phrase used to evoke a vivid image of a loud, resonant sound. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While grammatically sound and primarily found in News & Media contexts, as well as in Science and Wiki, it is relatively rare. For alternatives, consider "clap of thunder" or "rumble of thunder" to emphasize different aspects of the sound. Remember to differentiate "peal" from "peel" to avoid common errors. Use "peal of thunder" to add drama and auditory detail to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clap of thunder

Focuses on the singular, sharp sound of thunder, rather than the prolonged resonance.

crash of thunder

Highlights the sudden, impactful sound of thunder.

rumble of thunder

Emphasizes the low, continuous sound of thunder, often heard from a distance.

booming thunder

Describes the deep, resonant quality of thunder.

thunderous roar

Replaces "peal" with "roar", emphasizing the loudness and intensity of the sound.

deafening thunder

Focuses on the overwhelming loudness of the thunder.

rolling thunder

Highlights the continuous and echoing nature of thunder.

explosive thunder

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the thunder.

resounding thunder

Highlights the echoing quality and carrying distance of the thunder.

violent thunder

Focuses on the powerful and potentially destructive nature of the thunder.

FAQs

How can I use "peal of thunder" in a sentence?

You can use "peal of thunder" to describe the sound of thunder, for example, "The sudden "peal of thunder" startled everyone in the room".

What does "peal of thunder" mean?

"Peal of thunder" refers to a loud, resonant sound of thunder, often suggesting a prolonged or echoing effect.

What's a good alternative to "peal of thunder"?

Alternatives include "clap of thunder", "rumble of thunder", or "crash of thunder", depending on the specific characteristic of the sound you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "peel of thunder"?

No, the correct phrase is "peal of thunder". "Peel" refers to removing a skin or outer layer, while "peal" refers to a loud ringing sound.