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bazooka

American  
[buh-zoo-kuh] / bəˈzu kə /

noun

Military.

  1. a tube-shaped, portable rocket launcher that fires a rocket capable of penetrating several inches of armor plate, as of a tank or other armored military vehicle.

bazooka British  
/ bəˈzuːkə /

noun

  1. a portable tubular rocket-launcher that fires a projectile capable of piercing armour: used by infantrymen as a short-range antitank weapon

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bazooka

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; from its resemblance to a musical instrument so named, invented and played by comedian Bob Burns in the 1930s and 1940s

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The skatepark opened in May 1978 and featured bowls, a slalom run and a half-pipe, all with names like Jaws, Torpedo and Bazooka.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

Standing before a silk gazar ruffled cape and evening gown, both the color of Bazooka bubble gum, Zeisler takes it all in, sweeping his gaze around the room.

From Washington Post • Jul. 12, 2022

Those businesses will remain owned by Eisner’s Tornante and Madison Dearborn Partners, and have been rebranded as the Bazooka Cos.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2022

Topps’ remaining business, which include Bazooka gum and gift cards, will now be called the Bazooka Cos.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2022

"Life Savers, individually wrapped. Bit-O-Honey, Charleston Chews, Bazooka bubble gum, and..."

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.