black powder

American  

noun

1. an explosive powder consisting of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, used chiefly in old guns fired for sport, in fireworks, and for spotting charges in practice bombs; black gunpowder.

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black powder British  

noun

1. another name for gunpowder

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Example Sentences

At the time of the rescue, the Ministry of Defence confirmed an Army bomb disposal team had been called out and "black powder" was taken back to its barracks.

From BBC

“LAPD bomb squad has identified explosive material inside of the partially collapsed structure, some of which is black powder, which is known to be used in construction of illegal homemade fireworks,” Los Angeles Police Officer Drake Madison said in an email response Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the dozens and dozens of weapons hanging on the wall for sale are double barrel black powder shotguns – akin to a musket – and a few "they-don't-make-these-anymore" Winchester rifles from the 1800s.

From BBC

When law enforcement searched McGuire’s home, they found papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material, an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a bag containing matches, black powder and fireworks, federal prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

In a search of Nguyen’s residence, investigators found the ingredients needed to make black powder and other equipment and clothing believed to have been used in the attempted robberies, the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times