grenade
Americannoun
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a small shell containing an explosive and thrown by hand or fired from a rifle or launching device.
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a similar missile containing a chemical, as for dispersing tear gas or fire-extinguishing substances.
verb (used with object)
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to attack with a grenade or grenades.
noun
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a small container filled with explosive thrown by hand or fired from a rifle
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a sealed glass vessel that is thrown and shatters to release chemicals, such as tear gas or a fire extinguishing agent
Etymology
Origin of grenade
1525–35; < French < Spanish granada pomegranate, special use of granado having grains < Latin grānātus. See grain, -ate 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since Hasina's fall from power, Rahman has been acquitted of the most serious charge against him: a life sentence handed down in absentia for a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina rally.
From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025
For politicians, trying to reform the veteran disability system and America’s other broken entitlement programs can seem like picking up a grenade.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025
According to the Hostages Families Forum, he "fled to a shelter in the kibbutz with other foreign students, deflected a live grenade with his bare hands, and through his bravery saved many lives".
From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025
The agency will also investigate the origin of the grenade, as well as its movements, he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2025
“A flea grenade isn’t as mean as it sounds,” says Elsie.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.