explosion

noun ex·plo·sion \ ik-ˈsplō-zhən \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Examples: explosion in a Sentence

Definition of explosion

1 : the act or an instance of exploding

injured in a laboratory explosion

2 : a large-scale, rapid, or spectacular expansion or bursting out or forth

the explosion of suburbia

an explosion of red hair

3 : the release of occluded breath that occurs in one kind of articulation of stop consonants

See explosion defined for English-language learners

See explosion defined for kids

Examples of explosion in a Sentence

The filmmakers staged the car's explosion.
The island was rocked by a series of volcanic explosions.
The region has experienced a population explosion.
His comments prompted an explosion of laughter from the crowd.

Recent Examples of explosion from the Web

Barr, 34, died after a contractor hit a gas line under the streets of downtown Sun Prairie, prompting a massive explosion that injured 11 others and destroyed a number of buildings — including Barr's own tavern.

— max bayer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mourners, including 700 uniformed officers, turn out to honor firefighter killed in blast," 14 July 2018
Vanilla bean is the best seller, followed by double chocolate malt and chocolate/peanut butter explosion.

— gwen ashley walters, azcentral, "Edible cookie dough: Where in metro Phoenix to buy dough that's safe to eat," 13 July 2018
The smaller explosion targeted candidate Akram Khan Durrani, who escaped unhurt, and wounded 20 people, said Bannu Police Chief Rashid Khan.

— zaheer babar, BostonGlobe.com, "132 people die in election violence ahead of Sharif’s return," 13 July 2018
The house explosion that killed a Gloucester County couple last week was caused by natural gas, authorities said Friday, but investigators were unable to pinpoint the precise source of ignition.

— max cohen, Philly.com, "House explosion that killed Gloucester County couple was accidental, fire marshal rules," 13 July 2018
For example, in 1970 during the Apollo 13 mission, Gene Kranz was in charge of an enormous team on the ground that helped bring three astronauts home after an oxygen tank explosion forced them to abort their trip to the moon.

— alex stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "NASA names six new flight directors to take the helm of mission control," 12 July 2018
The 29-year-old Olympian and former American record holder in the hammer throw posts video after video of her demo’ing the intense speed, strength, and explosion that this sport requires.

— jenny mccoy, SELF, "Olympic Hammer Thrower Gwen Berry Shares Her Intense Training Regimen," 12 July 2018
Scientists had thought the steam explosions resulted from lava at the summit dropping down the volcano's throat into groundwater.

— terray sylvester and jolyn rosa, The Christian Science Monitor, "Scientists brave dangers studying active Hawaii volcano," 11 July 2018
The bright and colorful lights are still explosions.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July: Best tips to stay safe when using fireworks," 4 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'explosion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of explosion

Latin explosion-, explosio act of driving off by clapping, from explodere

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First Known Use: 1681

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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explosion Synonyms

EXPLOSION Defined for English Language Learners

explosion

noun

Definition of explosion for English Language Learners

: the sudden, loud, and violent release of energy that happens when something (such as a bomb) breaks apart in a way that sends parts flying outward
: a sudden and very fast increase
: a sudden expression of some strong emotion