shrapnel

[ shrap-nl ]

noun

1. Military.
   1. a hollow projectile containing bullets or the like and a bursting charge, designed to explode before reaching the target, and to set free a shower of missiles.
   2. such projectiles collectively.
2. shell fragments.

shrapnel

/ ˈʃræpnəl /

noun

1. 1. a projectile containing a number of small pellets or bullets exploded before impact
   2. such projectiles collectively
2. fragments from this or any other type of shell

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrapnel¹

1800–10; named after Henry Shrapnel (1761–1842), English army officer, its inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrapnel¹

C19: named after H. Shrapnel (1761–1842), English army officer, who invented it

Example Sentences

Mr Hibbert had been the closest survivor to the bomber and suffered 22 shrapnel wounds.

From BBC

The difference is only shrapnel, but against the super-elite, this England team invariably end up short-changed.

From BBC

In September, he was injured after being hit by shrapnel from an artillery shell, and Michael said they did “skirt over the subject” of Liam returning home.

From BBC

"He died before the ambulance arrived. I was told he was very unlucky, because a piece of shrapnel pierced his heart," she says, breaking down.

From BBC

The sergeant, who was not identified, was shot at least twice in the legs and suffered shrapnel wounds, Casto said, and other bullets struck the car seat and his taser.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ammo
• armament
• bomb
• bullet
• cartridge
• chemical
• explosive
• gunpowder
• materiel
• missile
• munition
• napalm
• rocket
• torpedo