detonator

noun

det·​o·​na·​tor ˈde-tᵊn-ˌā-tər How to pronounce detonator (audio)
-tə-ˌnā-
: a device or small quantity of explosive used for detonating a high explosive

Examples of detonator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Officials said the device failed to explode because of a faulty detonator. — Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The Leipzig-area airport briefly closed in early August after German authorities found an explosive-laden drone along with a detonator at the facility, which is also where Ukrainian transport aircraft frequently land. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026 Ultimately, Miles sacrifices himself so that the others can escape, holding onto the detonator that sets off a massive explosion until his final breath. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 The court heard the device, timer, switch, and detonator could have caused catastrophic damage. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonator

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detonator was in 1822

Rhymes for detonator

See All Rhymes for detonator

Browse Nearby Words

detonative
detonator
detort
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detonator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detonator. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detonator

noun
det·​o·​na·​tor ˈdet-ᵊn-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce detonator (audio)
-ə-ˌnāt-
: a device or small quantity of explosive used for detonating another explosive

More from Merriam-Webster on detonator

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detonator

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