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
If Tehran now hurries to make atomic bombs in secret — and if other countries in the region then build their own nukes for self-protection — the tactical triumph of Midnight Hammer will turn into a strategic disaster. Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 28 June 2025 Sit down in Geneva or Vienna or Qatar and fully and permanently surrender this mad nightmare to acquire nukes, or face more of the same devastation. New York Daily News, Twin Cities, 26 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 11 Jul. 2025.

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