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

An atomic bomb relies on specific, precisely engineered and timed conditions to create a supercritical mass and initiate a chain reaction. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Einstein never worked directly on developing the world’s first atomic bomb for the United States, but its shadow loomed over his life’s work. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 June 2025

Heavy water is used as a coolant for certain types of reactors, with plutonium — which can be used to make an atomic bomb — produced as a byproduct. —Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025

In White Sands, New Mexico, 1945, the first atomic bomb is detonated. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025

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