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

That is what is needed to produce materials for an atomic bomb. —Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 1 June 2025

Afterward, a massive cloud of rock, ice and dirt rose up and enveloped the mountains and valley, reminding some of the cloud of an atomic bomb. —Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 29 May 2025

Regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, Khatami recognized the connection between uranium enrichment and weapons potential but said that Iran remains committed to religious principles that forbid the development of atomic bombs. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

The American atomic bombs that ended World War II 80 summers ago snuffed out tens of thousands of lives in an instant. —Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 15 May 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