pipe bomb

American  

noun

1. a small homemade bomb typically contained in a metal pipe.

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pipe bomb British  

noun

1. a small explosive device hidden in a pipe or drain, detonated by means of a timer

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Etymology

Origin of pipe bomb

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

In Washington DC, a bomb threat was made to the Democratic National Committee headquarters, trigging a police search of the building where a pipe bomb was discovered on 6 January 2021.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

The former congressman Lee Zeldin, who is Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said the police had contacted him about a pipe bomb threat made to his home.

From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Mr. Jordan and Mr. Biggs called Mr. Wray’s failure to comply “particularly concerning” in light of The Times report early this month that revealed new details about the pipe bomb investigation.

From Washington Times • May 24, 2023

It comes months after a pipe bomb was left at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee in Washington a day before thousands of pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2021

Video surveillance — including a civilian’s drone — showed a car that resembled Drake’s distinctive blue Hyundai Tucson on the battlefield site not long before the pipe bomb was discovered, the warrant said.

From Washington Post • Feb. 12, 2020