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

Lyda Frezza, who lives nearby, said the explosion initially sounded like lightning and thunder before her home lost electricity. — Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

The suspects face a series of serious charges, including arson, manslaughter with possible intent, causing a deadly explosion and causing dangerous bodily harm. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

The exact cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Pyongyang has denied responsibility for the explosions and warned of retaliation if provoked. — Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 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