noun
Uncommon
grenade
gruh-NAYD
Grenade (noun) means a small explosive device, thrown by hand or fired from a launcher, designed to burst apart on impact or after a timed fuse. Example: “The soldier pulled the pin and threw the grenade over the wall.”
noun
1
A small explosive device, thrown by hand or fired from a launcher, designed to burst apart on impact or after a timed fuse.
"The soldier pulled the pin and threw the grenade over the wall."
"The video game lets players lob grenades at enemy positions."
verb
1
To attack or destroy something with a grenade or grenades.
"They grenaded the bunker before advancing."
How to use grenade
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small hand-thrown or launched bomb.
Common pairings
throw a grenade
grenade launcher
pull the pin on a grenade
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Word forms
- Plural
- grenades
- Third person singular
- grenades
- Past tense
- grenaded
Fill the gap
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The soldier pulled the pin and threw the _____ over the wall.
Etymology
From French grenade, originally meaning "pomegranate" — early grenades were named for their shape and for bursting into fragments like pomegranate seeds. It shares this root with the word "garnet."
Synonyms
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explosive device
Related words
Rhymes for grenade
See all rhymes for grenade →Frequently asked questions
What does “grenade” mean?
The word “grenade” means a small explosive device, thrown by hand or fired from a launcher, designed to burst apart on impact or after a timed fuse. In plain terms, a small hand-thrown or launched bomb.
How do you pronounce “grenade”?
“Grenade” is pronounced gruh-NAYD (/ɡɹəˈneɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “grenade” in a sentence?
Here is “grenade” used in a sentence: “The soldier pulled the pin and threw the grenade over the wall.”
What part of speech is “grenade”?
Depending on how it is used, “grenade” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grenade” come from?
The word “grenade” comes from French. From French grenade, originally meaning "pomegranate" — early grenades were named for their shape and for bursting into fragments like pomegranate seeds. It shares this root with the word "garnet.".
Is “grenade” a common word?
“Grenade” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “grenade” have?
“Grenade” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small explosive device, thrown by hand or fired from a launcher, designed to burst apart on impact or after a timed fuse.
What is the difference between a grenade and a bomb?
A grenade is a small explosive device designed to be thrown by hand or fired from a launcher, meant to burst apart on impact or after a timed fuse. A bomb is a broader term covering explosive devices of many sizes, including much larger ones that are planted, dropped, or detonated remotely rather than thrown.
Can "grenade" be used as a verb?
Yes, "grenade" can be used informally as a verb meaning to attack or destroy something with a grenade or grenades. This usage is less common than the noun form and typically appears in military or gaming contexts.
What is the difference between a grenade and a missile?
A grenade is a small hand-thrown or launcher-fired device meant for close-range use, while a missile is a much larger, often self-propelled and guided weapon designed to travel long distances. Grenades rely on a person's throw or a simple launcher, whereas missiles use their own propulsion and guidance systems.
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