detonation

noun

det·​o·​na·​tion ˌde-tᵊn-ˈā-shən How to pronounce detonation (audio)
ˌde-tə-ˈnā-
1
: the action or process of detonating
2
: rapid combustion in an internal combustion engine that results in knocking

Examples of detonation in a Sentence

there was a series of detonations around the base of the condemned building, causing it to come crashing down in a matter of minutes
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.
One is from the outer shell of helium, via fusion before the detonation dilutes the material. ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025 Astronomers predicted that if a double detonation had occurred, the remnant of the supernova would contain two separate shells of calcium. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Air raid sirens, the whine of kamikaze drones and booming detonations reverberated from early evening until dawn as Russia launched what Ukraine's Air Force said was a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles. Pavel Polityuk, USA Today, 4 July 2025 This triggers a second detonation in the core of the star, which ultimately forms the supernova. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for detonation

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detonation was in 1686

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detonation. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detonation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!