1
a
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms
atomic physics
b
: nuclear sense 2
atomic energy
2
a
: marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism
3
: minute
4
of a chemical element
: existing in the state of separate atoms
Examples of atomic in a Sentence
made atomic adjustments to the clock's mechanism to keep it from whirring as it ran
Recent Examples on the Web
Nuclear reactors, where heavy elements were transmuted into lighter ones, released antineutrinos that could be absorbed by atomic nuclei outside of the reactor, leading to their discovery.
—
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025
The resulting molten material is rapidly cooled, which locks in the unique atomic structure.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
Just as nuclear scientists were unsure whether the first atomic blast would ignite the earth’s atmosphere, today’s AI researchers can’t say whether smarter-than-human computers would be friends or foes.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Aug. 2025
On the day of the first atomic bombing, the 29-year-old marine engineer Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima on business.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025
The resulting molten material is rapidly cooled, which locks in the unique atomic structure.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
Just as nuclear scientists were unsure whether the first atomic blast would ignite the earth’s atmosphere, today’s AI researchers can’t say whether smarter-than-human computers would be friends or foes.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Aug. 2025
On the day of the first atomic bombing, the 29-year-old marine engineer Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima on business.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
atomic
adjective
atom·ic
ə-ˈtäm-ik 
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms, atomic bombs, or nuclear energy
atomic physics
the atomic age
atomic energy
2
: extremely small
3
: found in the state of separate atoms
atomic hydrogen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share