explosion

noun

ex·​plo·​sion ik-ˈsplō-zhən 

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

Synonyms of explosion

• eruption
• detonation

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 on the Web

Residents of Sirik, a city located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, reported hearing several explosions from a distance, according to the semi-official Mehr News Agency. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Authorities announced a blanket inspection following the May explosion, China's deadliest mining accident in years. — ABC News, 14 July 2026

More people are online than ever before, which has led to the explosion of new websites in recent years. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026

Tunnel entrances can also be strengthened, buried, or designed with protective barriers to reduce the effects of explosions near the opening. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing explosion

• population explosion

Rhymes for explosion

• corrosion
• erosion
• implosion

Kids Definition

explosion

noun

ex·​plo·​sion ik-ˈsplō-zhən 

1

: the act or an instance of exploding

2

: a violent outburst of feeling

Medical Definition

explosion

noun

ex·​plo·​sion ik-ˈsplō-zhən 

: the act or an instance of exploding