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A-bomb

(slang) ; a weapon that derives its energy from nuclear reactions and has enormous destructive power; in particular, those that rely on the uncontrolled explosive chain reaction of nuclear fission.

ˈeɪbəmDocumented since 1940s1940sSilenthistorical263 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1945 · no dated citations yet
1945BornToday, 2026

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Global
#1·Apr 26, 2026Global

(slang) ; a weapon that derives its energy from nuclear reactions and has enormous destructive power; in particular, those that rely on the uncontrolled explosive chain reaction of nuclear fission.

Origin: Shortened form of atomic bomb. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

"A-bomb" describes ; a weapon that derives its energy from nuclear reactions and has enormous destructive power; in particular, those that rely on the uncontrolled explosive chain reaction of nuclear fission. Heard in rap lyrics, drill music, video-game chat or street-style social media, it is more often quoted than acted on. What matters is context: are they repeating a song line, or are they describing specific people, places and plans? If the language pairs with secrecy, sudden new friends, or worry about someone they know, that is the cue for a calm direct conversation, ideally before involving anyone else.

For ESL learners

"A-bomb" is informal English meaning ; a weapon that derives its energy from nuclear reactions and has enormous destructive power; in particular, those that rely on the uncontrolled explosive chain reaction of nuclear fission. It is used widely across English varieties. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake is to assume "A-bomb" can replace its standard equivalent in every register; keep it for spoken or casual situations and use the formal form in writing.

Heard in the wild
  • “For other uses, see [A-bomb (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-bomb_(disambiguation) "A-bomb (disambiguation)") and [Atom bomb (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom_bomb_(disambiguation) "Atom bomb (disambiguation)").”

  • “282. [↑](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Project#cite_ref-293)Broad, William J. (12 November 2007). ["A Spy's Path: Iowa to A-Bomb to Kremlin Honor"](https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/12/us/12koval.html). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. pp.1–2.”

  • “Archived from [the original](https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/books-and-monographs/the-final-months-of-the-war-with-japan-signals-intelligence-u-s-invasion-planning-and-the-a-bomb-decision/csi9810001.html#rtoc7) on 12 June 2007.”

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Global
#2·Apr 26, 2026Global

(slang) To bomb with an atom bomb.

Cluster: fail
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For specific readers

"A-bomb" describes ; a weapon that derives its energy from nuclear reactions and has enormous destructive power; in particular, those that rely on the uncontrolled explosive chain reaction of nuclear fission. Heard in rap lyrics, drill music, video-game chat or street-style social media, it is more often quoted than acted on. What matters is context: are they repeating a song line, or are they describing specific people, places and plans? If the language pairs with secrecy, sudden new friends, or worry about someone they know, that is the cue for a calm direct conversation, ideally before involving anyone else.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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