bomblet

noun

bomb·​let ˈbäm-lət How to pronounce bomblet (audio)
: a small bomb
especially : one of the many small bombs that make up a cluster bomb

Examples of bomblet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One photo taken at the scene at one of Tuesday’s strikes appears to show an unexploded M74 submunition — a small bomblet about the size of a baseball, which is carried by the oldest versions of the ATACMS missile, called the M39. John Ismay, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2023 The weapons are banned by much of the world because unexploded bomblets can pose risks to civilians years after the weapon is fired. Mikhail Klimentov, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023 When used, the bomblets are dispersed over a large area and are intended to wreak destruction on multiple targets at once. Lolita C. Baldor The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2023 The version of the ATACMS missile sent to the Ukrainians, in what officials said were small numbers, is a cluster munition that dispenses 950 small bomblets that can do damage over a wide area. John Ismay, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2023 The weapons, banned by more than 100 countries, can leave unexploded bomblets that can kill or maim civilians. Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2023 More than 100 countries ban cluster munitions because of potential harm unexploded bomblets can cause civilians during and after conflict. Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 6 July 2023 Western officials and experts agree that cluster munitions — multiple bomblets packed in shells that disperse over a wide area before impact — are most effective against forces and vehicle convoys that are spread out over open terrain. Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023 Gladkov did not provide visual evidence for the use of the controversial and widely banned weapons, which contain dozens of small bomblets that scatter shrapnel over a wide area. Susie Blann, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bomblet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bomblet was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near bomblet

Cite this Entry

“Bomblet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bomblet. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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