blaster

noun

blast·​er ˈbla-stər 

plural blasters

: someone or something that blasts something: such as

a

: one whose work is shattering or demolishing something (such as rock) with an explosive device or agent

Demolition companies that level buildings with explosive charges—and so are called blasters—have been letting the team plant transmitters in the ill-fated structures …

—Peter Weiss

At work in their gaslit catacomb the laborers split into the specialty groups that would become standard in tunnel driving: drillers and blasters worked the heading, blasting out the raw rock …

—Donald Dale Jackson

b

: something that produces a loud sound

specifically : a radio with powerful speakers : ghetto blaster

… he listens to alternative rock—Live, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Green Day—very loud, dutifully shouting answers over the blaster and the hair dryer.

—Fred Schruers

c

science fiction : a handheld weapon similar to a gun that fires bolts of energy instead of physical projectiles

For about $30 each, players don headsets and heavy vests—computer and battery pack in back, and on the front the "haptics" technology that creates physical sensations like the rumble of the spaceship's engines or the tingle of a shot from a blaster rifle hitting your body armor.

—Marjie Lambert

Examples of blaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This set comes with six colorful blasters, which are just $4 each with the current Amazon discount. —Laura Lu, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024

Also of interest was the Barbasol can that Wayne Knight used in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park ($250,000), along with a blaster that Princess Leia carried in Return of the Jedi $150,000. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

The set comes with two futuristic-looking blasters and two chest guard targets with straps. —Maya Polton, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024

Even with superstar Kevin Durant sidelined along with 3-point blaster, Eric Gordon, the Suns still had two prolific scorers on the floor Friday night in Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. —Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 6 Jan. 2024

Each famous character is holding a mini lightsaber, blaster, or bowcaster. —Rachel Simon, EW.com, 24 May 2023

Their Funko Pop figures are in honor of Return of the Jedi's 40th anniversary, with Luke wearing his sleek set for barging into Jabba the Hutt's palace, with a trusty blaster in his hand. —Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 25 Sep. 2023

Get your handheld blasters ready – laser tag is returning to town. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2024

This detergent combines five powerful cleaning agents and odor blasters to keep clothes fresh and help fight even the toughest body odors. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing blaster

• ghetto blaster