bomblet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowMilitary / Technical / Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “bomblet” mean?
A small explosive bomb, especially one of many released from a larger container (cluster bomb).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small explosive bomb, especially one of many released from a larger container (cluster bomb).
A secondary, smaller explosive device; can be used metaphorically to describe something small that causes a disproportionately large disturbance or impact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning; usage is identical and context-dependent on military reporting. Both variants use the term.
Connotations
Strong negative connotation associated with civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns regarding unexploded bomblets.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English military discourse due to scale of military publishing, but term is equally recognised.
Grammar
How to Use “bomblet” in a Sentence
The [munition] released dozens of bomblets.Unexploded bomblets [pose a hazard].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The leaked report was a financial bomblet.'
Academic
Used in political science, international relations, and military history papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Likely only encountered in news reports about conflict or munitions clearance.
Technical
Standard term in military engineering, munitions design, and humanitarian demining documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bomblet”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bomblet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bomblet”
- Confusing with 'bombette' (rare/archaic).
- Misspelling as 'bomlet' or 'bombette'.
- Using in non-serious contexts where it trivialises the weapon's danger.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While it is a small bomb, its key characteristic is being part of a cluster munition system, released in large numbers from a dispenser. A standalone small bomb (like a grenade) isn't typically called a bomblet.
Rarely. Its primary association is with destructive weaponry and humanitarian hazards. Metaphorical use ('a political bomblet') carries a negative sense of causing unexpected trouble or disruption.
They are often synonyms in military jargon. 'Submunition' is the broader technical term for any munition contained within and dispensed by a parent munition. 'Bomblet' is a more specific, common-term for an explosive submunition.
It belongs to a very specialised semantic field (munitions). Most people will only encounter it in specific reports about warfare, arms treaties, or humanitarian demining, not in everyday conversation.
A small explosive bomb, especially one of many released from a larger container (cluster bomb).
Bomblet is usually military / technical / journalistic in register.
Bomblet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒmblət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːmblət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “political bomblet”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bomb' + the diminutive suffix '-let' (like 'booklet') = a small bomb.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROBLEM IS AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE / A REVELATION IS A DETONATION (e.g., 'The scandal dropped a bomblet in the campaign.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bomblet' most precisely and commonly used?