English Reference

Word

TNT

Phoneticstnt

Definitions

01explosive chemical

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. Stands for Trinitrotoluene. A powerful chemical used for making bombs and for blasting rocks in construction.

n. Abbreviation for Trinitrotoluene. A stable, solid explosive compound used in military and industrial applications due to its relative safety during handling.

“The workers used TNT to clear the large rocks from the path of the new road.”

“The demolition crew calculated the exact amount of TNT required to bring down the derelict cooling tower without damaging adjacent structures.”

Usage

Usually treated as an uncountable noun when referring to the substance itself.

Synonyms

explosivedynamite

02general explosives

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal

n. A general word people use for dynamite or anything that causes a big explosion.

n. A genericized or informal reference to dynamite or other high-velocity explosives.

“In the old cartoons, the character always carries a box marked TNT.”

“While technically distinct from dynamite, the term TNT is frequently used in popular media as a catch-all for any portable explosive device.”

Teaching tip

Learners should note that while people use this informally for any explosive, in science and engineering, TNT and dynamite are different chemicals.

Synonyms

explosivesblasting caps

Etymology

All senses by acronymy or initialism formation or by metonymic relation thereto. The third sense is an initialism of Tagalog tago nang tago (literally “hide and hide”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

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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