nuke

1 of 2

noun

ˈnük How to pronounce nuke (audio)
ˈnyük
1
: a nuclear weapon
2
: a nuclear-powered electric generating station

nuke

2 of 2

verb

nuked; nuking

transitive verb

1
: to attack or destroy with or as if with nuclear bombs
2

Examples of nuke in a Sentence

Verb a pretty sizable piece of real estate would be nuked if an asteroid struck
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.
Noun
The Trump administration is even considering using tactical nukes on Iran if the bunker-buster bombs aren’t up to the job. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025 But the White House tells Fox that's not true, everything's on the table, even tactical nukes. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
The United States had nuked and napalmed Japan yet afterward promoted the Japanese economy assiduously. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 Tucker Carlson torches House Republican over Gaza ‘nuke’ comment | RISING Robby Soave and Lindsey Granger discuss Tucker Carlson ripping Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) over his suggestion that Gaza should be nuked. The Hill, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuke

Word History

Etymology

Noun

by shortening and respelling from nuclear

Verb

derivative of nuke entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuke was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Nuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuke. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on nuke

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