Definition of warhead
: the section of a missile containing the explosive, chemical, or incendiary charge
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of warhead from the Web
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But they are equipped with more than 100 nuclear warheads apiece, along with the missiles to deliver them.
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With North Korea's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile last week, the news has been filled with speculation that a nuclear warhead could reach the Last Frontier and that Anchorage could be the most realistic U.S. target for destruction.
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This approach involves destroying a hostile missile shortly after its launch, before the warhead separates from the missile body and decoys can be deployed.
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This approach involves destroying a hostile missile shortly after its launch, before the warhead separates from the missile body and decoys can be deployed.
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As the video below explains, there are various countermeasures a nation like North Korea could use to try to get around U.S. missile defense systems, such as including decoys in the warhead.
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Officials do not believe the North Koreans have developed the capability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead, a critical technology for placing one atop an ICBM.
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These interceptors are designed to target and disrupt missile warheads mid-course.
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Mr. Han said an ICBM warhead section must endure a heat of 7,000 degrees Celsius, or 12,630 degrees Fahrenheit, while hurtling toward earth at a speed of at least Mach 21, or 4.5 miles per second.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'warhead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of warhead
1898
WARHEAD Defined for English Language Learners
warhead
playDefinition of warhead for English Language Learners
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: the part of a missile that contains the explosive
Learn More about warhead
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See words that rhyme with warhead Spanish Central: Translation of warhead Nglish: Translation of warhead for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about warhead
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