pipe bomb

American  

noun

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

---

pipe bomb British  

noun

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

---

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

When offering the $500,000 reward in January, the FBI said it has poured significant resources into the pipe bomb investigation.

From Washington Times • May 12, 2023

Authorities have said Williams is not linked to a pipe bomb that was left outside an Ankeny polling place in March.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 21, 2022

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