noun / verb
bomb
BAHM/bɑːm/
An explosive weapon designed to cause destruction.
An old aerial bomb rests safely on museum supports.
Etymology
Italian bomba named an explosive projectile. Its name probably comes from a term for a deep, hollow sound, making the weapon's noise the likely link to its name.
In context
The device was designed to be difficult to remove with anti-tamper mechanisms. The bomb was fully functional with real explosives and timers.
More examples
- The actor’s new comedy bombs at the box office.
- Her homemade salsa is the bomb at every party.
- The cyclist bombs down the empty hill.
- The building had been bombed during the war.
Forms
bomb · bombs · bombed · bombing
bomber noun — An aircraft or person that drops bombs.
Similar words
- missile
- A weapon propelled toward a target; not every bomb is propelled.
- explosive
- Broader; includes substances and devices other than weapons.