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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Curtiss’ 5-inch guns fired on it, and a passing destroyer took it out with depth charges. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 Most also carry lightweight weapons, such as depth charges and torpedoes, but generally other platforms are used to attack submarines. Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 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 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 24 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!