letter bomb

noun

1. an envelope containing an explosive device designed to detonate when the envelope is opened by the recipient.

letter bomb

noun

1. a thin explosive device inside an envelope, detonated when the envelope is opened

Word History and Origins

Origin of letter bomb¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Never mind a letter bomb, what about a stinkbomb that is also a letter?

Read more on Salon

Top officials from the organization were the target of the letter bomb attack that the Mossad chief requested in 1965, but which was ultimately unsuccessful.

Read more on New York Times

The incidents followed a letter bomb blast at Ukraine's embassy in Madrid a week ago which injured an employee.

Read more on BBC

It comes two days after an employee was injured after a letter bomb exploded at Ukraine's embassy in Madrid, Spain - one of a series of alleged incidents.

Read more on BBC

The Spanish arms manufacturer, whose weapons are being used in Kyiv’s defense against Russia, received a letter bomb on Wednesday.

Read more on Washington Post