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
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The frame of this chaise—aluminum covered in matte black powder coating—is lightweight enough to pick up and move around as the sun travels through the sky (i.e. great for sunbathing). Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2025 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 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

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black powder was in 1793

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Cite this Entry

“Black powder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20powder. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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