First Known Use: 1684
Dictionary
1bomb
noun \ˈbäm\
: a device that is designed to explode in order to injure or kill people or to damage or destroy property
the bomb : nuclear weapons
: something that is a complete failure
Full Definition of BOMB
1
a : an explosive device fused to detonate under specified conditions b : atomic bomb; also : nuclear weapons in general —usually used with the
2
: a vessel for compressed gases: as a : a pressure vessel for conducting chemical experiments b : a container for an aerosol (as an insecticide) : spray can
3
: a rounded mass of lava exploded from a volcano
4
: a lead-lined container for radioactive material
6
British : a large sum of money
7
a British : a great success : hit b slang : one that is striking or extraordinary —used with the <their new album is the bomb>
8
a : a long pass in football b : a very long shot (as in basketball) <shooting 3-point bombs>; also : home run
9
: something unexpected and unpleasant —often used with drop <dropped a bomb with her resignation>
See bomb defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BOMB
French bombe, from Italian bomba, probably from Latin bombus deep hollow sound, from Greek bombos, of imitative origin
Related to BOMB
2bomb
verb
: to attack (a place or people) with a bomb or many bombs
: to fail completely
: to fail (a test)
Full Definition of BOMB
transitive verb
2
: to defeat decisively
3
: to hit (as a baseball or a golf shot) very hard
intransitive verb
1
: to fall flat : fail
2
slang : to move rapidly <bombed down the hill>
— bomb·ing noun
See bomb defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOMB
1688
BOMBING Defined for Kids
1bomb
noun \ˈbäm\
Definition of BOMB for Kids
1
: a hollow case or shell filled with explosive material
2
: a container in which something (as an insecticide) is stored under pressure and from which it is released in a fine spray
3
: something that is a complete failure <The new movie was a bomb.>
2bomb
verb
bombedbomb·ing
Definition of BOMB for Kids
1
: to attack with bombs
2
: to fail completely <His comedy act bombed.>
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