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

In one strip, the kids act out the horrible roar of an atomic bomb, and Snoopy has frequent aerial battles with the Red Baron. —Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025

Most of them were in a program designed to train radiation-control technicians to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the birthplace of the atomic bomb, which is once again rapidly expanding to supply the nation with nuclear weapons. —Abe Streep, The New Yorker, 27 Dec. 2024

The Odyssey will mark Nolan's follow-up to Oppenheimer, his biopic about the father of the atomic bomb, which won seven Oscars (including Best Picture) and grossed nearly $1 billion at the worldwide box office. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Christopher Nolan’s obsession with shooting on celluloid film, using IMAX cameras, and staging everything from military battles and zero gravity sequences to atomic bomb tests with as many practical effects as possible is well documented. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

: hydrogen bomb