noun Uncommon

shrapnel

SHRAP-nuhl

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Shrapnel (noun) means Metal fragments or fragments thrown out by an exploding shell, bomb, or mine. Example: “Doctors spent hours removing shrapnel from the soldier's leg.”

noun

Metal fragments or fragments thrown out by an exploding shell, bomb, or mine.

"Doctors spent hours removing shrapnel from the soldier's leg."

"The old wall was still pitted with shrapnel scars from the war."

Loose change or small coins (informal).

"He emptied a pocketful of shrapnel onto the counter to pay for his coffee."

How to use shrapnel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSharp metal fragments from an explosion, or, informally, a pocketful of loose coins.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the general sense of "shrapnel" (any debris from an explosion) with its original, narrower meaning: a specific type of anti-personnel artillery shell.

Common pairings

shrapnel wound piece of shrapnel pocketful of shrapnel

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: shrapnels

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Doctors spent hours removing _____ from the soldier's leg.

Etymology

Named after British army officer Henry Shrapnel (1761-1842), who invented an artillery shell designed to scatter bullets over a wide area before impact.

· First attested 1761

Class of 1761 shrapnel joined the language around 1761.

See the full Class of 1761 →

Frequently asked questions

What does “shrapnel” mean?

The word “shrapnel” means metal fragments or fragments thrown out by an exploding shell, bomb, or mine. In plain terms, sharp metal fragments from an explosion, or, informally, a pocketful of loose coins.

How do you pronounce “shrapnel”?

“Shrapnel” is pronounced SHRAP-nuhl (/ˈʃɹæpnəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “shrapnel” in a sentence?

Here is “shrapnel” used in a sentence: “Doctors spent hours removing shrapnel from the soldier's leg.”

What part of speech is “shrapnel”?

“Shrapnel” is a noun.

Where does the word “shrapnel” come from?

The word “shrapnel” dates back to around 1761. Named after British army officer Henry Shrapnel (1761-1842), who invented an artillery shell designed to scatter bullets over a wide area before impact.

Is “shrapnel” a common word?

“Shrapnel” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “shrapnel” have?

“Shrapnel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: metal fragments or fragments thrown out by an exploding shell, bomb, or mine.