kiloton

noun

ki·​lo·​ton ˈki-lə-ˌtən How to pronounce kiloton (audio)
ˈkē-lə-,
 also  -ˌtän
1
: 1000 tons
2
: an explosive force equivalent to that of 1000 tons of TNT

Examples of kiloton 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.
The global market for lithium-ion batteries is expected to rise by 13% each year, with demand reaching about 1,600 kilotons of lithium by 2026. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2025 The Atomic Age began there with the 21-kiloton Trinity explosion on July 16, 1945. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 The Hiroshima bomb, nicknamed Little Boy, was air burst 1,900 feet above the city to maximize destruction; it was later estimated to yield 15 kilotons. Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025 Global stockpile The Hiroshima atomic bomb, with an explosive yield of 15 kilotons, would be considered a low-yield nuclear weapon by today’s standards. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kiloton

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kiloton was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Kiloton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kiloton. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

kiloton

noun
ki·​lo·​ton ˈkil-ə-ˌtən How to pronounce kiloton (audio)
ˈkē-lə-,
 also  -ˌtän
1
: 1000 tons
2
: an explosive force equivalent to that of 1000 tons of TNT

More from Merriam-Webster on kiloton

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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