Word
nuke
US/ˈnuk/
UK/njˈuːk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a nuclear weapon. People use this word in casual conversation when talking about atomic bombs or missiles.
n. a nuclear weapon, such as a bomb or missile. Typically avoided in technical or diplomatic contexts.
Examples
“The movie was about a group trying to stop a stolen nuke.”
“During the Cold War, the fear of a nuke being launched kept the entire world in a state of constant tension.”
“While the term is common in political thrillers and casual debate, military officials generally prefer more precise terminology like 'tactical warhead' or 'strategic asset' over the colloquial nuke.”
Examples
simple
“The movie was about a group trying to stop a stolen nuke.”
contextual
“During the Cold War, the fear of a nuke being launched kept the entire world in a state of constant tension.”
complex
“While the term is common in political thrillers and casual debate, military officials generally prefer more precise terminology like 'tactical warhead' or 'strategic asset' over the colloquial nuke.”
Usage
Informal noun; often used in the plural when discussing global arsenals.
Etymology
Clipping of nuclear weapon. The verb is derived from the noun.
Clipping of nuc(leus).
See nucha.
See nook.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. nuke the fridge
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/nuke