explosion

noun

ex·​plo·​sion ik-ˈsplō-zhən 

1

: the act or an instance of exploding

injured in a laboratory explosion

2

: a large-scale, rapid, or spectacular expansion or bursting out or forth

the explosion of suburbia

an explosion of red hair

3

: the release of occluded breath that occurs in one kind of articulation of stop consonants

Synonyms of explosion

• eruption
• detonation

Examples of explosion in a Sentence

The filmmakers staged the car's explosion.

The island was rocked by a series of volcanic explosions.

The region has experienced a population explosion.

His comments prompted an explosion of laughter from the crowd.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this month, another Tennessee highway became the stage for an accidental spectacle when a brake fire on a trailer hauling fireworks ignited its cargo, causing bursts of colorful explosions on Interstate 75 near Chattanooga. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 23 June 2026

All day, interceptions overhead, explosions, drones, artillery. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 June 2026

So far, that has not led to an explosion of home-building, but advocates hope an infusion of money from the bond will help. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin explosion-, explosio act of driving off by clapping, from explodere

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing explosion

• population explosion

Rhymes for explosion

• corrosion
• erosion
• implosion

Kids Definition

explosion

noun

ex·​plo·​sion ik-ˈsplō-zhən 

1

: the act or an instance of exploding

2

: a violent outburst of feeling

Medical Definition

explosion

noun

ex·​plo·​sion ik-ˈsplō-zhən 

: the act or an instance of exploding