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

Historians, peace campaigners, and atomic bomb survivors say the changes reflect growing nationalist pressure, while supporters argue the revisions create a more balanced account. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026

However, his son, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has not issued any statement regarding his views on the atomic bomb. — Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Breakthroughs by Niels Bohr, born in Denmark, and Enrico Fermi, born in Italy, were crucial in developing the atomic bomb. — Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Like all signatories to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Saudi Arabia has already committed to not developing an atomic bomb and consented to international inspections. — Yousef Saba, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for atomic bomb

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

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