grenade
Americannoun
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a small shell containing an explosive and thrown by hand or fired from a rifle or launching device.
-
a similar missile containing a chemical, as for dispersing tear gas or fire-extinguishing substances.
verb (used with object)
noun
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a small container filled with explosive thrown by hand or fired from a rifle
-
a sealed glass vessel that is thrown and shatters to release chemicals, such as tear gas or a fire extinguishing agent
Etymology
Origin of grenade
1525–35; < French < Spanish granada pomegranate, special use of granado having grains < Latin grānātus. See grain, -ate 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.
In response to questions about the grenade incident and the state’s ongoing efforts to obtain records, Gomez said Cal/OSHA is trying to avoid future tragedies.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
The claim argues that Lemus was relying on the expertise of his fellow deputies, and would not have expected them to bring a live grenade onto a training campus or use one for training purposes.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 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
For politicians, trying to reform the veteran disability system and America’s other broken entitlement programs can seem like picking up a grenade.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025
Judging from the ringing in Leo’s ears, the dwarf had detonated the flash-bang grenade, which Leo had filled with a rare vial of Apollo’s music, pure liquid extract.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
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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.