grenade

American  

[gri-neyd] / grɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. a small shell containing an explosive and thrown by hand or fired from a rifle or launching device.

2. a similar missile containing a chemical, as for dispersing tear gas or fire-extinguishing substances.

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verb (used with object)

grenaded, grenading

1. to attack with a grenade or grenades.

grenade British  

/ ɡrɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. a small container filled with explosive thrown by hand or fired from a rifle

2. a sealed glass vessel that is thrown and shatters to release chemicals, such as tear gas or a fire extinguishing agent

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Etymology

Origin of grenade

1525–35; < French < Spanish granada pomegranate, special use of granado having grains < Latin grānātus. See grain, -ate ¹

Explanation

A grenade is a small explosive device, a little bomb that can be thrown by hand. The earliest grenades were contained in ceramic jars and thrown by ancient Byzantine soldiers. If you've ever seen a war movie, you may have observed soldiers pulling pins out of hand-held grenades, throwing them, and watching them explode at a distance. The first grenades were extremely dangerous to the people holding them, and modern versions improved the thrower's safety even as they became more deadly for those they were used against. Larger grenades are propelled with launchers, gun-like weapons that are also used in combat.

Example Sentences

As evidence, it cited a February 2024 post from the IDF's Arabic spokesman, which included photos that he said showed Wishah operating weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

After a grenade almost killed him in Normandy, he earned a Purple Heart and then sang in the jazz clubs of Paris.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Since Hasina's fall from power, Rahman has been acquitted of the most serious charge against him: a life sentence handed down in absentia for a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

According to the Hostages Families Forum, he "fled to a shelter in the kibbutz with other foreign students, deflected a live grenade with his bare hands, and through his bravery saved many lives".

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025

Hermione stood up very abruptly, her butterbeer clutched in her hand as though it were a grenade.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling