grenade

American  

[gri-neyd] / grɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. a small shell containing an explosive and thrown by hand or fired from a rifle or launching device.

2. a similar missile containing a chemical, as for dispersing tear gas or fire-extinguishing substances.

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verb (used with object)

grenaded, grenading

1. to attack with a grenade or grenades.

grenade British  

/ ɡrɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. a small container filled with explosive thrown by hand or fired from a rifle

2. a sealed glass vessel that is thrown and shatters to release chemicals, such as tear gas or a fire extinguishing agent

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Etymology

Origin of grenade

1525–35; < French < Spanish granada pomegranate, special use of granado having grains < Latin grānātus. See grain, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

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

Nothing was more intriguing than Dahlem showing there used to be a hand grenade competition, with a student from Huntington Park winning the first competition.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Yellow and red smoke bombs representing grenade fire could be seen rising above power facilities scattered across the city.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

Almost anything seen on the frontline - from small radars and grenade launchers to jeeps, trucks, tanks and actual soldiers - may be fake.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

Hermione stood up very abruptly, her butterbeer clutched in her hand as though it were a grenade.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling