bomb (bŏm)
n.

1. 1. An explosive weapon detonated by impact, proximity to an object, a timing mechanism, or other means.
   2. An atomic or nuclear bomb. Used with the.
2. Any of various weapons detonated to release destructive material, such as smoke or gas.
3. Football. A long forward pass.
4. 1. A container capable of withstanding high internal pressure.
   2. A vessel for storing compressed gas.
   3. A portable, manually operated container that ejects a spray, foam, or gas under pressure.
5. Slang. A dismal failure; a fiasco.
6. Slang. An old car.
7. Slang. One that is excellent or superior. Used with the.
8. Chiefly British Slang.
   1. A large amount of money.
   2. A great success.

v., bombed, bomb·ing, bombs.

v.tr.
To attack, damage, or destroy with or as if with bombs.

v.intr.

1. To drop a bomb or bombs.
2. Slang. To fail miserably: The play bombed.
3. Slang. To paint a graffito.

[French bombe, from Italian bomba, probably from Latin bombus, a booming sound, from Greek bombos, of imitative origin.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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