fuze
Americannoun
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a mechanical or electronic device to detonate an explosive charge, especially as contained in an artillery shell, a missile, projectile, or the like.
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fuse.
verb (used with object)
noun
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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fuzesimple
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fuzessimple
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have fuzedperfect
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has fuzedperfect
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am fuzingprogressive
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are fuzingprogressive
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is fuzingprogressive
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have been fuzingperfect progressive
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has been fuzingperfect progressive
Past
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fuzedsimple
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had fuzedperfect
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was fuzingprogressive
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were fuzingprogressive
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had been fuzingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of fuze
First recorded in 1635–45; variant of fuse 1
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.
See Examples For:
The Marines say that one of the Madis’s most promising features is its ability to fire a specialized 30mm round with a proximity fuze.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 2026
“The likelihood that the M767A1 fuze malfunctioned is a statistical anomaly that was outside any reasonable probability.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 16, 2026
The program has conducted numerous tests, including environmental, ground and flight tests, to ensure the fuze withstands multiple difficult environments, such as acceleration, vibration and thermal environments expected during missile launch and ballistic reentry.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 23, 2024
Raytheon AIM-9X weapons developers explain that the Block 2 variant adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device that enhances ground handling and in-flight safety.
From Fox News ● Jun. 1, 2020
For firing, the fuze wires are joined to long leading wires, connected with some source of electric current.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 1 "Bisharin" to "Bohea" by Various
L3Harris, which makes fuzes for 30mm ammunition, is “rapidly scaling to meet the growing demand across a range of fuzes,” a spokeswoman for the Florida-based company said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 2026
“Proximity fuzes are precision electromechanical devices, and the lines that build them at scale are few,” Sawyers said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 2026
“Those fuzes rely on impact and if you land in something soft, you may not get the shock you need,” Mr. Vosburgh said.
From New York Times ● Jul. 7, 2023
Air Force budget documents provided to Congress describe it as a “form, fit, and functionally equivalent replacement” for existing nuclear warhead fuzes.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 29, 2021
As these fuzes are more apt to deteriorate when exposed to dampness than fuzes for low-tension current, and the generating machine is rather clumsy and fragile, low-tension current is more generally employed.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 1 "Bisharin" to "Bohea" by Various
And Walt, using the focus rod for power, fuzed the control panel in an instant beyond all use.
From Earth Alert! by Neville, Kris
No shell shall be fuzed unless it has been filled.
From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance
The thing wasn't fuzed for impact, then, but for time; and the activating mechanism would be shell-and shock-proof.
From Triplanetary by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)
All XV-in. shell shall be fitted with three fuze-holes, and issued for service fuzed with 3 1/2, 5, and 7 seconds fuzes.
From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance
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.
