warhead

noun

war·​head ˈwȯr-ˌhed How to pronounce warhead (audio)
: the section of a missile containing the explosive, chemical, or incendiary charge

Examples of warhead in a Sentence

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.
The Shinkolobwe mine in the southeastern Katanga region, which fed US nuclear warhead production, was formally closed in 2004, but mining activity persists in the region. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The country is currently estimated to possess 60 nuclear warheads and enough fissile material to produce at least 30 more, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. — Se Eun Gong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026 Reportedly, the warhead would be roughly equivalent to 200 Hiroshima bombs. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 The company’s long-range FP-1 drones can carry warheads of up to 264 pounds, with a usual range of 1,100 miles, and strike with pinpoint accuracy. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for warhead

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of warhead was in 1890

Rhymes for warhead

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Browse Nearby Words

war hawk
warhead
Warhol
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Cite this Entry

“Warhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warhead. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

warhead

noun
war·​head ˈwȯ(ə)r-ˌhed How to pronounce warhead (audio)
: the section of a missile containing the charge

More from Merriam-Webster on warhead

Nglish: Translation of warhead for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about warhead

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