tsunami
/tsuːˈnɑː.mi/
Japanese Origin
Nature
Original Word
津波
Kanji (tsunami)
Entered English
Early 20th century
First recorded usage in English
The Story Behind "tsunami"
From Japanese 'tsunami' (津波), literally 'harbor wave' (tsu = harbor, nami = wave). Adopted internationally after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami brought the term to global attention.
Example Usage
"The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that struck the coastline."