depth charge

noun

: an antisubmarine weapon that consists essentially of a drum filled with explosives which is dropped near a target and descends to a predetermined depth where it explodes

called also depth bomb

Examples of depth charge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Faster is vital, because in their watery graves, the many land and naval mines, U-boat torpedoes, depth charges, artillery shells, chemical weapons, aerial bombs, and incendiary devices have corroded over almost 80 years. Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024 For instance, Russia fields a substantial number of naval nuclear weapons, including antiship cruise missiles, nuclear torpedoes, and nuclear depth charges. Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2018 Once in the air, the rocket would deploy a depth charge at a range of up to 34 miles (55 km). David Szondy, New Atlas, 12 July 2024 The fifth depth charge attack hit Harder, sinking her and her crew. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for depth charge 

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depth charge was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near depth charge

Cite this Entry

“Depth charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depth%20charge. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

depth charge

noun
: an explosive device for underwater use especially against submarines that is designed to detonate at a predetermined depth

More from Merriam-Webster on depth charge

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