Molotov cocktail

noun

1. a crude incendiary grenade consisting of a bottle filled with a flammable liquid and a wick that is ignited before throwing: used originally for setting fire to enemy tanks during the Spanish Civil War.

Molotov cocktail

/ ˈmɒləˌtɒf /

noun

1. an elementary incendiary weapon, usually a bottle of petrol with a short-delay fuse or wick; petrol bomb

Molotov cocktail

1. An incendiary bomb made from a breakable container, such as a bottle, filled with flammable liquid and provided with a rag wick. Used by the Soviets against the invading German armies in World War II, these bombs were nicknamed after V. M. Molotov, a foreign minister of the Soviet Union at that time.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Molotov cocktail¹

First recorded in 1935–40; named after V. M. Molotov

Word History and Origins

Origin of Molotov cocktail¹

C20: named after V. M. _Molotov

Example Sentences

A man admitted Wednesday that he lit a Molotov cocktail and threw it toward Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies during protests against immigration crackdowns over the summer.

From Los Angeles Times

Carolina Jaramillo said the convoy - which included UN and EU diplomats - was delivering aid to affected communities during a national strike when ambushed by about 350 people, who attacked it with Molotov cocktails.

From BBC

Yet, Paul Thomas Anderson’s fun and fizzy adaptation views its Molotov cocktail as half-full.

From Los Angeles Times

The following month, a man threw Molotov cocktails at a group of people in Boulder, Colo. while they demonstrated for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the demonstrations began, Indonesian police have used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets against protesters, some of whom have lobbed back Molotov cocktails and rocks.

From Los Angeles Times