thunderbird
Noun: 1. A mythological creature: In the mythology of certain Native American cultures, a thunderbird is a powerful spirit or supernatural being in the form of a gigantic bird, believed to create thunder and lightning.
The word "thunderbird" is used as a singular, countable noun to refer specifically to this mythological entity. It is typically capitalized when referring to the specific figure in a particular cultural tradition, but often appears in lowercase in general discussions of mythology. - The legend describes the Thunderbird as having wings that cause storms. - Many stories feature a thunderbird as a central figure of power.
- In some Pacific Northwest tribes, the Thunderbird is a revered symbol of strength.
- The sound of thunder was said to be the flapping of the thunderbird's immense wings.
- He studied myths about the thunderbird from various indigenous traditions.
- As a proper noun: When referring to the specific deity or spirit within a named cultural context (e.g., "the Thunderbird of Kwakwaka'wakw mythology"), it is treated as a proper noun and capitalized.
- In modern contexts: The term is sometimes used in modern culture, such as in brand names, sports team mascots, or literary works, alluding to the mythological creature's attributes of power and majesty.
- Thunderbirds (plural noun): The plural form referring to multiple such creatures or to the concept across different tribes.
- The carvings depicted several thunderbirds.
- Mythical bird
- Storm bird (a descriptive synonym, though not a direct mythological equivalent)
There are no common English idioms or phrasal verbs directly derived from the word "thunderbird." Its usage remains largely confined to discussions of mythology and related cultural references.
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(mythology) the spirit of thunder and lightning believed by some Native Americans to take the shape of a great bird
