Meaning:

thunder; mine; surname Lei

Origin:

甲骨文“雷”字中间的曲线是打雷时伴随着的闪电，用圆形表示雷的响声，后人又在上面加上“雨”字表示雷多在雨天出现。

On oracle bone inscriptions, the character “雷” has a curve in the middle representing lightning, while the exterior circle signifies thunder. Later, the character “雨” (rain) was added, as thunder often appears on rainy days.

Words:

   雷厉风行 (léi lì fēng xíng) :to carry out sth. resolutely

   雷人 (léirén)                      : to shock (figuratively)

   地雷 (dìléi)                        : landmine

   雷雨 (léiyǔ)                       : thunderstorm

   雷声 (léishēng)                 : sound of thunder

Examples:

1. 大家说干就干，雷厉风行，两天就栽种了三千棵树苗。

    Dàjiā shuō gàn jiù gàn，léi lì fēng xíng，liǎng tiān jiù zāizhòng le sānqiān kē shùmiáo

    Working resolutely, they planted three thousand trees in two days.

2. 现在有很多明星的打扮都很雷人，比如Lady Gaga.

    Xiànzài yǒu hěnduō míngxīng de dǎban dōu hěn léi rén，bǐrú Lady Gaga

    Nowadays, many superstars dress shockingly, such as Lady Gaga.