nuclear weapon

American  

[noo-klee-er wep-uhn, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈwɛp ən, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. an explosive device whose destructive potential derives from the release of energy that accompanies the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei.

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nuclear weapon Scientific  

1. A weapon whose destructive power comes from nuclear energy; an atomic bomb or a hydrogen bomb.

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nuclear weapon Cultural  

1. Any weapon that employs a nuclear reaction for its explosive power. Nuclear weapons include ballistic missiles, bombs (see atomic bomb (see also atomic bomb) and hydrogen bomb), artillery rounds, and mines.

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nuclear weapon

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

When a nuclear weapon detonates or a serious reactor accident occurs, an immense burst of energy is released in less than a millionth of a second.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

Casias had been an administrative assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the first atomic bomb was developed and where nuclear weapon work continues, her family told local news outlets after her disappearance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

These red lines include that Iran must turn over its stocks of enriched uranium, agree not to pursue a nuclear weapon, and agree to allow free transit through the Strait of Hormuz, he said.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Trump said the U.S. and China agreed that the war in Iran should end, that ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz should be free and that Iran should never get a nuclear weapon.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

For example, four Russian submarines prowled the waters near Cuba, each one carrying a torpedo loaded with a nuclear weapon.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Related Words

• atomic bomb
• hydrogen bomb
• neutron bomb