grenade

noun

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gre·​nade | \ grə-ˈnād

\

Definition of grenade

: a small missile that contains an explosive or a chemical agent (such as tear gas, a flame producer, or a smoke producer) and that is thrown by hand or projected (as by a rifle or special launcher)

Examples of grenade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Carroll learned to fire an M-16, to throw a hand grenade, to send messages in Morse code, to make a bed so perfectly that a quarter would bounce atop it. — John Kelly, Washington Post, "For veterans in need, So Others Might Eat offers a home and ample support," 11 Nov. 2019 In 2012, a mob armed with guns and grenades launched a fiery nightlong attack on a U.S. diplomatic outpost and a CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya, killing U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. — orlandosentinel.com, "Today in history: September 11," 11 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grenade.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of grenade

1591, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for grenade

Middle French, literally, pomegranate, from Late Latin granata, from Latin, feminine of granatus seedy, from granum grain — more at corn

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