depth charge

noun

: an antisubmarine weapon that consists essentially of a drum filled with explosives which is dropped near a target and descends to a predetermined depth where it explodes

called also depth bomb

Examples of depth charge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rookie running back Ollie Gordon II will get a chance after moving the depth charge following the season-ending neck injury to Alexander Mattison. Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 One Soviet submarine commander sent out into the Atlantic wrongly thought himself under depth charge attack and had to be persuaded not to fire his nuclear payload before getting hit. Marc Champion, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 In need of a depth charge With approximately three minutes left in the second period and Dallas down by a goal, Matt Duchene got the puck in space in the left circle and flung a seam pass to Tyler Seguin, all alone in the right circle. Murat Ates, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Behind the feigned admiration lurks a depth charge of judgement or criticism. John Bowe, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depth charge

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depth charge was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Depth charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depth%20charge. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

depth charge

noun
: an explosive device for underwater use especially against submarines that is designed to detonate at a predetermined depth

More from Merriam-Webster on depth charge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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