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

Even before the first atomic detonation at the Trinity test, James Franck, Eugene Rabinowitch, Leo Szilard and others issued a report warning of the far-reaching consequences of unleashing the atomic bomb, highlighting the dangers of a nuclear arms race. —Daniel Holz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

On August 6, 1945, an American B-29 bomber dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

Another legendary meditation, CROSSROADS (1976), features reedited, declassified footage of the 1946 Operation Crossroads underwater atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, accompanied by a haunting score from Patrick Gleeson and Terry Riley. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026

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

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