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nuclear warhead

American  
[noo-klee-er wawr-hed, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈwɔrˌhɛd, ˈnyu- /

noun

  1. a warhead containing a fission or fusion bomb.


Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nuclear warhead

First recorded in 1950–55

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.

It can do this at a high altitude, beyond even the Earth's atmosphere, which was seen as especially useful in South Korea, because it could be used to intercept and destroy a nuclear warhead.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Western countries fear that these satellite launch systems incorporate technologies interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, potentially capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

He represents something between the pointy end of the spear and City’s personal nuclear warhead.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

There was no claim by Ukraine that a nuclear warhead was on the missile.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2024

On the evening of October 21, they found something new: a nuclear warhead storage bunker.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin