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 Nolan has long used Imax cameras to shoot portions of his movies, including his epic biopic about the making of the atomic bomb, and encouraged Villeneuve to do the same when making Dune. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 The Irish star won Best Actor on Sunday night for his portrayal of the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The film — which became the highest-ever grossing biopic last year — stars Cillian Murphy as Robert J. Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 Oppenheimer, the biographical film about the inventor of the atomic bomb, picked up a total of seven Academy Awards, including best picture and best director for Christopher Nolan. Thomas Buckley, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 The hat helped define the silhouette of Mr. Oppenheimer, the formidable scientist who led the 1940s race to build the first atomic bomb, in the movie that is the frontrunner to win best picture at the March 10 Academy Awards. Lisa Richwine, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 The film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, who along with a team of scientists, developed and designed the atomic bomb. Lisa Respers France, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 During a ceremony held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, the team from Christopher Nolan’s drama about the father of the atomic bomb won a pair of awards in the categories of effects/Foley and dialogue/ADR. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 Is the creation of artificial general intelligence akin to the development of the atomic bomb? Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atomic bomb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of atomic bomb was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near atomic bomb

Cite this Entry

“Atomic bomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic%20bomb. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on atomic bomb

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