atomic bomb

noun

1
: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (such as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons in a very rapid chain reaction

called also atom bomb

2
: a nuclear weapon (such as a hydrogen bomb)

Examples of atomic bomb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The misguided focus on containment is a belated echo of the nuclear age, when the United States and others limited the spread of atomic bombs by restricting access to enriched uranium, by keeping an eye on what certain scientists were doing and by sending inspectors into labs and military bases. Zeynep Tufekci, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025 In 1968, a B-52 crashed at Thule, and four atomic bombs rolled out of the wreckage. Adam Price, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 It was supposed to slow down Iran’s drive to build an atomic bomb in exchange for massive economic benefits for Iran. Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025 The space race, the Apollo program, and the Manhattan Project were all contracts with industry to accomplish the objective of putting a man on the moon or developing the atomic bomb. Maria Curi, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for atomic bomb 

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic bomb was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near atomic bomb

Cite this Entry

“Atomic bomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic%20bomb. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

atomic bomb

noun
1
: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons

called also atom bomb

2

More from Merriam-Webster on atomic bomb

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