Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

blasting powder

noun

Definition of blasting powder 

: black powder usually containing sodium nitrate manufactured in grains or pellets and used especially for blasting soft materials (as in coal mines)

— called also black blasting powder

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about blasting powder

Share blasting powder

Resources for blasting powder

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near blasting powder

blasting cap

blasting gelatin

blasting machine

blasting powder

blast injury

blast lamp

blast main

Statistics for blasting powder

Look-up Popularity

Comments on blasting powder

What made you want to look up blasting powder? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

viva voce

by word of mouth

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

  • alt-573b465788319
  • Name these cookies!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games