mushroom cloud

noun

1. mushroom ( def 4 ).

mushroom cloud

noun

1. the large mushroom-shaped cloud of dust, debris, etc produced by a nuclear explosion

Word History and Origins

Origin of mushroom cloud¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

We’ve all seen photographs of a mushroom cloud released by an atomic bomb or the panic sent worldwide after nuclear disasters at Fukishima or Chernobyl.

From Voice of San Diego

Creating what was described as a “Niagara Falls in reverse,” Baker lifted vessels up into its watery mushroom cloud before dumping them — and a lethal radioactive soup — back down on the ships still afloat.

From Washington Post

It had been flown without a crew through a mushroom cloud during A-bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, a way to gather data without endangering fliers.

From Washington Post

The mushroom cloud of Verdansk glows in the distance, and there is also a new point of interest on the map called “Control Center” where there was previously a building under construction.

From Washington Post

Then a 20-story-high mushroom cloud of smoke came rolling up the street toward us.

From The Daily Beast

He ran outside witnessing what he later described as a “giant black mushroom cloud.”

From The Daily Beast

He went to Richland High School, whose mascot was the Bombers and whose logo was, and remains, a mushroom cloud.

From The Daily Beast

Fail, and most experts think it is just a matter of time before one of these capitals disappears in a mushroom cloud.

From The Daily Beast

Get with the program or the next attack would be a “mushroom cloud.”

From The Daily Beast

The gorgeous mushroom cloud of the atomic explosion looked alive and threatening like those Djinni once banned by Solomon.

From Project Gutenberg

The appearance of the magma under them, almost like a mushroom cloud in shape, was pretty ominous.

From Project Gutenberg

Then came the single blinding flash that spelled the end of Kanato, and afterward a billowing mushroom cloud.

From Project Gutenberg