# dynamite

/ˈdaɪnəˌmaɪt/ (US) · /dˈaɪnɐmˌaɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dynamite
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. explosive material

noun · CEFR B2

a powerful substance used for blowing up rocks or buildings.

For teachers: a high explosive consisting of nitroglycerine mixed with an absorbent material. Usually uncountable in this sense.

- The construction crew used dynamite to clear a path through the mountain for the new road.
- The engineers calculated the exact amount of dynamite required to collapse the derelict cooling tower without damaging the adjacent power station.

### 2. something exciting or dangerous

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

something that is very exciting, impressive, or potentially dangerous.

For teachers: a person, event, or piece of information likely to cause a major reaction or excitement. Informal and figurative in use.

- The new evidence in the trial is absolute dynamite and could change everything.
- The journalist knew the leaked documents were political dynamite, capable of toppling the administration if published before the election.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'to be'.

### 4. excellent or powerful

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

extremely good, exciting, or impressive.

For teachers: denoting something exceptionally effective, exciting, or aesthetically pleasing. Predominantly informal register.

- The band gave a dynamite performance that had the whole crowd dancing.
- The marketing team delivered a dynamite presentation that secured the contract despite stiff competition from larger agencies.

## Examples

- The workers used dynamite to clear the path for the new road.
- The journalist knew the leaked documents were political dynamite that could end the senator's career.
- Engineers carefully calculated the amount of dynamite required to bring down the old stadium without damaging the surrounding residential blocks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.