warhead

noun

war·​head ˈwȯr-ˌhed How to pronounce warhead (audio)
: the section of a missile containing the explosive, chemical, or incendiary charge

Examples of warhead 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.
Nonnuclear European countries will have to agree to finance the development and procurement of new missile systems and possibly airplanes (although not nuclear warheads, which would violate their treaty commitments). — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 Unlike a conventional ballistic missile’s warhead, a hypersonic glide vehicle is built to maneuver during flight, potentially complicating an opponent’s efforts to track and intercept it. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026 The Houthis have a large arsenal capable of reaching targets well over 1,000 miles away, with some warheads capable of changing direction midflight. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 The Houthis possess ballistic missiles and advanced systems fitted with warheads that can change direction during flight and pose a challenge to Patriot interceptors and other defense systems used by the Saudis. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for warhead

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of warhead was in 1890

Rhymes for warhead

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Browse Nearby Words

war hawk
warhead
Warhol
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Cite this Entry

“Warhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warhead. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

warhead

noun
war·​head ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌhed How to pronounce warhead (audio)
: the section of a missile containing the charge

More from Merriam-Webster on warhead

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about warhead

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