warhead

noun

war·​head ˈwȯr-ˌhed How to pronounce warhead (audio)
: 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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Unlike a warhead, a laser needs time on target. Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026 The agreement limits nuclear warheads on each side to 1,550, plus limitations on missiles, launchers, and bombers. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 The warhead uses a proximity and digital impact fuze rather than the Stinger’s impact and time-delay fuzes, allowing near-misses to still result in kills. David Szondy february 08, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026 Trump insists any new nuclear pact must include China, whose arsenal grew from 200 warheads to over 600 since 2020, but Beijing refuses to participate. Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

warhead

noun
war·​head ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌhed How to pronounce warhead (audio)
: the section of a missile containing the charge

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