1
a
: an explosive device fused to detonate under specified conditions
b
: atomic bomb
also
: nuclear weapons in general
—usually used with the
2
: a vessel for compressed gases: such as
a
: a pressure vessel for conducting chemical experiments
b
: a container for an aerosol (such as an insecticide) : spray can
3
: a rounded mass of lava exploded from a volcano
4
: a lead-lined container for radioactive material
6
British
: a large sum of money
7
a
British
: a great success : hit
b
slang
: one that is striking or extraordinary
—used with the
their new album is the bomb
8
a
: a long pass in football
b
: a very long shot (as in basketball)
shooting 3-point bombs
also
: home run
9
: something unexpected and unpleasant
—often used with drop
dropped a bomb with her resignation
bombed; bombing; bombs
1
2
a
: to defeat decisively
b
baseball
: to score many runs against (a pitcher)
Allen tried a new slider pitch without success and was bombed in Cincinnati.—Jack Lang
3
: to hit (a ball, puck, or shot) very hard
bomb a home run
bomb a long drive down the fairway
4
slang
: to fail (a test)
I bombed my history exam.
1
informal
: to fall flat : to fail completely
The movie bombed at the box office.
a joke that bombed
2
informal
: to move rapidly
a car bombing down the hill
bombing
noun
The city was subjected to heavy bombing during the war.
suicide bombings
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share