Pearl Harbor
noun
Definition of Pearl Harbor
: a surprise attack often with devastating effect
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Origin and Etymology of pearl harbor
Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, American naval station attacked without warning by the Japanese on December 7, 1941
First Known Use: 1942
Pearl Harbor
geographical name
Definition of Pearl Harbor
inlet of the Pacific on the southern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu; site of a U.S. Navy base ◆The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 precipitated the U.S. entry into World War II.
Learn More about pearl harbor
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Pearl Harbor
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