atomic bomb

noun

1

: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (such as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons in a very rapid chain reaction

called also atom bomb

2

: a nuclear weapon (such as a hydrogen bomb)

Examples of atomic bomb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The danger is in doing nothing as theocratic lunatics continue to weaponize with atomic bombs and modern missile delivery systems. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026

Goddard grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, the home of rocket scientists who gave us the atomic bomb, and still boasts the highest IQ per capita in America. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2026

Murphy shed weight to become the wiry, brilliant theoretical physicist tormented by his own creation, the atomic bomb. —Seth Doane, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

Though, as a technical note, all atomic bombs are nuclear weapons, but not all nuclear weapons are atomic bombs. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for atomic bomb

• microbiome
• aplomb
• balaam
• cocom
• embalm
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• balm
• bom
• calm

Kids Definition

atomic bomb

noun

1

: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons

called also atom bomb

2

: hydrogen bomb