Search results for 'bomb':

bomb noun 1 a hollow case or other device containing a substance capable of causing an explosion, fire or smoke, etc. See also letter bomb, time bomb. 2 (the bomb) the atomic bomb, or nuclear weapons collectively. 3 (a bomb) Brit colloq a lot of money. See also go down like a bomb, go like a bomb, make a bomb below. 4 N Amer colloq a failure, flop or fiasco • The film was a bomb. 5 Austral & NZ colloq an old worn-out car. 6 Amer football a long pass. 7 computing a piece of programming, inserted into software, that can be activated to sabotage the system. 8 (also volcanic bomb) geol a rounded mass of lava thrown out by a volcano and hardened into volcanic rock. verb (bombed, bombing) 1 to attack or damage, etc with a bomb or bombs. 2 (especially bomb along or off, etc) intrans, colloq to move or drive quickly • bombing along the road. 3 intrans, N Amer colloq to fail or flop badly. bombing noun. go down like a bomb or go down a bomb colloq, chiefly Brit to be a great success; to be received enthusiastically. go like a bomb colloq, chiefly Brit 1 to move very quickly. 2 to go or sell, etc extremely well; to be very successful. make a bomb Brit colloq to make or earn a great deal of money.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: probably ultimately from Greek bombos a humming sound.