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
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.
The interceptors would need to be enhanced to enable them to address hypersonic weapons and other missiles and warheads that can maneuver. Iain Boyd, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 This type of missile can carry more than one warhead, also known as the reentry vehicle. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 One early 2000s warhead program saw a $69 million overrun and delays because the NNSA forgot how to produce a classified material needed in the weapon, according to a 2009 GAO report. Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025 But the American nuclear war chest roughly matches Russia’s, and dozens of those US warheads are located in Europe. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for warhead

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of warhead was in 1898

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Cite this Entry

“Warhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warhead. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

warhead

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

More from Merriam-Webster on warhead

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