pipe bomb

American  

noun

1. a small homemade bomb typically contained in a metal pipe.

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pipe bomb British  

noun

1. a small explosive device hidden in a pipe or drain, detonated by means of a timer

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Etymology

Origin of pipe bomb

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

In Washington DC, a bomb threat was made to the Democratic National Committee headquarters, trigging a police search of the building where a pipe bomb was discovered on 6 January 2021.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

The former congressman Lee Zeldin, who is Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said the police had contacted him about a pipe bomb threat made to his home.

From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Mr. Jordan and Mr. Biggs called Mr. Wray’s failure to comply “particularly concerning” in light of The Times report early this month that revealed new details about the pipe bomb investigation.

From Washington Times • May 24, 2023

Authorities have said Williams is not linked to a pipe bomb that was left outside an Ankeny polling place in March.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 21, 2022

What they were seeing on the screen, the security official explained, was not a pipe bomb.

From Washington Post • Oct. 25, 2021