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

Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media. — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Deep ocean recordings blend with orchestral timpani, distant explosions, vibrations and the recorded buzzing of bees. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

When the first star exploded, the force of the explosion sent the second star flying through space. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 21 July 2026

His weakness is his lack of vertical explosion around the rim. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 21 July 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