dynamite

1 of 3

noun

dy·​na·​mite ˈdī-nə-ˌmīt How to pronounce dynamite (audio)
1
: an explosive that is made of nitroglycerin absorbed in a porous material and that often contains ammonium nitrate or cellulose nitrate
also : an explosive (such as a mixture of ammonium nitrate and nitrocellulose) that contains no nitroglycerin
2
: one that has a powerful effect
an actress who's dynamite at the box office
also : something that has great potential to cause trouble or conflict
an issue regarded as political dynamite
dynamitic adjective

dynamite

2 of 3

verb

dynamited; dynamiting

transitive verb

1
: to blow up with dynamite
2
: to cause the failure or destruction of
dynamiter noun

dynamite

3 of 3

adjective

: terrific, wonderful
a dynamite performance

Examples of dynamite in a Sentence

Noun The death penalty is political dynamite. Verb They plan to dynamite the old building. Adjective They put on a dynamite performance. a summer blockbuster that features some really dynamite special effects
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.
Noun
Whereas Zack Baun has been a stable force and coverage savant at linebacker, Dean is a tiny stick of dynamite. Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 Each end was blasted with dynamite and closed not long after. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
At the same time, the former president worked diligently to dynamite his successor in the mayorship of Buenos Aires City presidential hopes. Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Darrow was in town to represent the McNamara brothers, union men accused of dynamiting the downtown building of the anti-union Los Angeles Times in October 1910 and killing 21 people. Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
But he’s been dynamite with Eichel on a line with Ivan Barbashev (currently injured) this season. Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Brie, in an absolutely dynamite green blazer, suggests that Preacher plead guilty to a misdemeanor and 100 hours of public service. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dynamite 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek dýnamis "power, strength" + -ite entry 1 — more at dynamic entry 1

Note: Though the principal figure in the development of dynamite, Alfred nobel, was Swedish, the earliest patent for the substance (May, 1867) was filed in the United Kingdom, so the word was effectively first introduced in English rather than in Swedish or German.

Verb

derivative of dynamite entry 1

Adjective

from attributive use of dynamite entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dynamite was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near dynamite

Cite this Entry

“Dynamite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dynamite. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

dynamite

1 of 2 noun
dy·​na·​mite ˈdī-nə-ˌmīt How to pronounce dynamite (audio)
: an explosive that is made chiefly of nitroglycerin absorbed in another substance
also : an explosive that contains no nitroglycerin

dynamite

2 of 2 verb
dynamited; dynamiting
: to blow up with dynamite
dynamiter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dynamite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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