dynamite

American  

[dahy-nuh-mahyt] / ˈdaɪ nəˌmaɪt /

noun

1. a high explosive, originally consisting of nitroglycerin mixed with an absorbent substance, now with ammonium nitrate usually replacing the nitroglycerin.

2. any person or thing having a spectacular effect.

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verb (used with object)

dynamited, dynamiting

1. to blow up, shatter, or destroy with dynamite.

   Saboteurs dynamited the dam.

2. to mine or charge with dynamite.

adjective

1. Informal. creating a spectacular or optimum effect; great; topnotch.

   a dynamite idea; a dynamite crew.

dynamite British  

/ ˈdaɪnəˌmaɪt /

noun

1. an explosive consisting of nitroglycerine or ammonium nitrate mixed with kieselguhr, sawdust, or wood pulp

2. informal a spectacular or potentially dangerous person or thing

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verb

1. (tr) to mine or blow up with dynamite

dynamite Scientific  

/ dī′nə-mīt′ /

1. A powerful explosive used in blasting and mining. It typically consists of nitroglycerin and a nitrate (especially sodium nitrate or ammonium nitrate), combined with an absorbent material that makes it safer to handle.

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Other Word Forms

• dynamiter
  noun
• dynamitic
  adjective
• dynamitically
  adverb
• undynamited
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dynamite

From Swedish dynamit, introduced by Alfred Bernhard Nobel ( def. ), its inventor in 1867; see dynam-, -ite ¹

Explanation

Dynamite is a material that explodes when it's detonated. Dynamite has long been used in mining, for blasting open layers of rock. Dynamite is not the kind of thing you buy at the corner hardware store. Dynamite was invented in 1867 by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, chemist, and engineer. Builders and miners were happy about the new explosive, since dynamite was stronger and safer than those that came before it. Nobel named his invention dynamit, a Swedish version of the Greek dynamis, "power." The earliest figurative meaning was "dangerous," but in the 1960s it came to also mean "excellent" or "impressive."

Example Sentences

Denford’s steadily growing “nobody cares” audience regularly tosses sticks of dynamite into that vortex in the name of protecting our sanity.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

As further reminder, Deutsche Grammophon has just released the orchestra’s dynamite live recording of Prokofiev’s complete ballet score from the Disney premiere.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

To prepare the site, engineers have already blasted through more than 7 million pounds of dynamite.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

The material document has shocked experts on the scandal such as Second Sight forensic accountant Ron Warmington, who described the document's implications as "dynamite".

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

Johnston should not have compared the mountain to a keg of dynamite.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Related Words

• nitroglycerin