bomb
word
Definition
A bomb is a weapon that explodes and can cause serious damage, injury, or death. Informally, it can also mean something that fails badly, especially a movie, show, or event.
Usage & Nuances
Usually a countable noun: 'a bomb', 'two bombs'. Common combinations include 'plant a bomb', 'defuse a bomb', and 'bomb threat'. In informal American English, 'bomb' as a noun can mean a big failure, and 'bomb' as a verb means 'fail badly' ('The movie bombed'). Be careful not to confuse it with 'bomb' meaning a military explosive versus slang uses.
Example Sentences
Everyone thought the new show would be huge, but it turned out to be a bomb.
natural
The police found a bomb in the building.
basic
They called the airport after a bomb threat.
basic
The comedian joked that his last performance was a total bomb.
natural
That movie was a bomb at the box office.
basic
Security had to clear the station because of a possible bomb.
natural