black powder
noun
: 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
Examples of black powder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Investigators determined the bloody bare footprints found at the crime scene, pictured after being dusted with black powder, belonged to the killer because the victim was wearing socks.
—
Jordan Kinsey, CBS News, 17 May 2025
The multi-layer bomb explosion itself was caused by a black powder and silt bag and yet another bag filled with napalm.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
There's still a lot of kick, and there's a lot more smoke because of the black powder that's being used.
—ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2025
Even so, the sports bra’s evolution as a black powder for the feminist movement, and a flash appeal for female entrepreneurs in its aftermath, surprised Lindahl.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black powder
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.
Jordan Kinsey, CBS News, 17 May 2025
The multi-layer bomb explosion itself was caused by a black powder and silt bag and yet another bag filled with napalm.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
There's still a lot of kick, and there's a lot more smoke because of the black powder that's being used.
—ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2025
Even so, the sports bra’s evolution as a black powder for the feminist movement, and a flash appeal for female entrepreneurs in its aftermath, surprised Lindahl.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black powder
Cite this Entry
“Black powder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20powder. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share