black powder

noun

|Updated on: 30 May 2018

Definition of black powder

: an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used especially in fireworks and as a propellant in antique firearms — compare gunpowder

Recent Examples of black powder from the Web

Instructors will also guide attendees through specialty shooting disciplines such as clay target, cowboy action, practical pistol, black powder and air gun.

— azcentral, "A guide to all spring festivals in Phoenix from April through May," 6 Mar. 2018
Back then, black powder used in battle ships and torpedo warheads was brought to the property for storage, according to the Woodlands Conservancy website.

— sara sneath, NOLA.com, "Visiting Navy, Marines help restore World War II ammunition depots in Belle Chasse," 25 Apr. 2018
More: Washington state man arrested in cases of suspicious packages sent to government offices FBI bomb technicians examined the devices and found the black powder was flammable.

— christal hayes, USA TODAY, "11 packages containing explosives, letters sent to Washington, D.C., area before man's arrest," 28 Mar. 2018
At least one of the packages reportedly did contain black powder, an ingredient of some explosive devices.

— martin weil, chicagotribune.com, "'Suspicious packages' received at military installations in Washington area," 27 Mar. 2018
The package at Fort McNair was addressed to the National Defense University and contained black powder and a fuse.

— david martin, CBS News, "Rambling letters to military led feds to man suspected of mailing suspicious packages," 27 Mar. 2018
According to authorities, at least one of the packages did contain black powder.

— martin weil and matt zapotosky, BostonGlobe.com, "‘Suspicious packages’ sent to D.C.-area military installations," 27 Mar. 2018
At least one of the packages reportedly did contain black powder, an ingredient of some explosive devices.

— matt zapotosky, Washington Post, "‘Suspicious packages’ received at military installations in Washington area," 26 Mar. 2018
Ramona Shootist Emporium at 649 Main St., Suite C, serves as Ramona’s backcountry resource for shooting sports, providing historical and contemporary arms, reloading supplies, repairs, education and black powder supplies.

— Ramona Sentinel, "Reception for ‘Celestial’ artist set for April 14," 7 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'black powder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of black powder

1793

in the meaning defined above

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