shrapnel

[shrap-nl]

noun

1. Military.

   1. a hollow projectile containing bullets or the like and a bursting charge, designed to explode before reaching the target, and to set free a shower of missiles.

   2. such projectiles collectively.

2. shell fragments.

shrapnel

/ ˈʃræpnəl /

noun

1. 1. a projectile containing a number of small pellets or bullets exploded before impact

   2. such projectiles collectively

2. fragments from this or any other type of shell

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrapnel¹

1800–10; named after Henry Shrapnel (1761–1842), English army officer, its inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrapnel¹

C19: named after H. Shrapnel (1761–1842), English army officer, who invented it

Example Sentences

Large sandbags protect critical infrastructure, some riddled with holes from shrapnel.

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"A 48-year-old civilian man was killed by shrapnel from the attack," he said.

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Over that time, students and staff at Jordan High School complained that the facility’s operations coated their campus in toxic dust, occasionally pelted outdoor areas with shrapnel and disrupted classes with explosions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On that day, shrapnel landed on a California Highway Patrol cruiser and motorcycle after an artillery shell exploded in midair prematurely, prompting an investigation from the Marines.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At least six people have died and two have been injured in crashes, after the company’s inflators ruptured and sprayed shrapnel around the vehicles’ cabin.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ammo 
• armament 
• bomb 
• bullet 
• cartridge 
• chemical 
• explosive 
• gunpowder 
• materiel 
• missile 
• munition 
• napalm 
• rocket 
• torpedo