nuclear weapon

American  

[noo-klee-er wep-uhn, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈwɛp ən, ˈnju- /

noun

• nuclear weapons
  plural

1. an explosive device whose destructive potential derives from the release of energy that accompanies the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei.

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nuclear weapon Scientific  

1. A weapon whose destructive power comes from nuclear energy; an atomic bomb or a hydrogen bomb.

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nuclear weapon Cultural  

1. Any weapon that employs a nuclear reaction for its explosive power. Nuclear weapons include ballistic missiles, bombs (see atomic bomb (see also atomic bomb) and hydrogen bomb), artillery rounds, and mines.

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• nuclear weapons
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of nuclear weapon

First recorded in 1945–50

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nuclear weapon

"I don't think it matters what you call it. What matters is the fact we have had tremendous success. We've stopped Iran from having a nuclear weapon," he said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026

A senior White House official said Trump had a strong relationship with Netanyahu and praised Israel for helping the U.S. blunt Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Western governments said the agreement was designed to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon, an objective Iran has consistently denied pursuing.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

He also said the deal meant Iran would "never have a nuclear weapon" and that the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway in the Gulf would reopen and be "toll-free".

From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026

For example, four Russian submarines prowled the waters near Cuba, each one carrying a torpedo loaded with a nuclear weapon.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

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Related Words

• atomic bomb
• hydrogen bomb
• neutron bomb

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