: the section of a missile containing the explosive, chemical, or incendiary charge

Examples of warhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The interceptor uses kinetic energy to destroy incoming threats without carrying a conventional explosive warhead. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026 The improved terminal guidance also allows the drones to strike more precise aim points, increasing the effectiveness of even relatively small warheads. Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The Shinkolobwe mine in the southeastern Katanga region, which fed US nuclear warhead production, was formally closed in 2004, but mining activity persists in the region. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The country is currently estimated to possess 60 nuclear warheads and enough fissile material to produce at least 30 more, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Se Eun Gong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for warhead

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of warhead was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Warhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warhead. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

: the section of a missile containing the charge

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