megaton

noun

mega·​ton ˈme-gə-ˌtən 

: an explosive force equivalent to that of one million tons of TNT

Examples of megaton in a Sentence

an atomic explosion with a force of several megatons

Recent Examples on the Web

Deloitte estimates that deploying AI across energy systems could save 3,700 TWh a year by 2030, unlock around $240 billion in annual cost reductions and avoid 660 megatons of emissions. — Lital Marom, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

For smaller threats around 100 meters wide, this subterranean 3-megaton explosion generates enough power to vaporize the asteroid into harmless space dust completely. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026

The roughly 180-foot-wide meteor’s explosion above a remote region of Russia released the energy equivalent of three to 50 megatons of TNT while leveling about 830 square miles of Siberian forest. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 June 2026

The energy released would equal more than 1,000 megatons of TNT, or tens to hundreds of nuclear weapons, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization promoting space exploration. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for megaton

• anyone
• everyone
• overdone
• overrun
• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun

Kids Definition

megaton

noun

mega·​ton ˈmeg-ə-ˌtən 

: an explosive force equal to that of one million tons of TNT