# torpedo

/tɔɹˈpiˌdoʊ/ (US) · /tɔːpˈiːdəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/torpedo
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a long, thin weapon that travels underwater to blow up ships or submarines. It looks like a small, metal whale and is fired from a boat or plane.

For teachers: a self-propelled underwater missile designed to be launched from a submarine, surface vessel, or aircraft. It contains an explosive warhead and is steered toward a target by internal guidance systems.

## Examples

- The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy ship.
- Naval historians often discuss how the invention of the torpedo changed the nature of sea battles forever.
- Advanced acoustic sensors allow the modern torpedo to track the specific sound signature of a target's engines, making it nearly impossible for a large vessel to escape.

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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.