What does grenade mean?
A grenade is a small explosive device, most commonly one thrown by hand and fitted with a fuse that detonates after a short delay or upon impact. In British and American English, the word also has a figurative meaning: a grenade can be a remark, event, or problem so disruptive that it damages a discussion, relationship, or situation. The verb “to grenade” follows from this figurative use and informally means to ruin, overwhelm, or attack forcefully. A more specialized culinary sense refers to a small vessel used for heating ingredients. The word's history connects it to the pomegranate: French “grenade” originally denoted the fruit, and early hand grenades were named for their resemblance to its rounded shape. In everyday use, the military meaning is dominant, while figurative and culinary meanings depend more heavily on context.
A small explosive device, usually designed to be thrown by hand or launched from a weapon and detonated by a timed or impact fuse.
"A fragmenting grenade exploded beside the barricade."
Figuratively, it may describe something suddenly disruptive or destructive. In specialist culinary contexts, it can refer to a small vessel for heating ingredients.
To attack or destroy with a grenade; figuratively, to ruin or overwhelm through a sudden disruptive act.
"The remark nearly grenadeed the negotiations."
This use is informal and much more common figuratively than literally.
The regular plural adds “-s,” as in “The soldiers carried several grenades.”
"Police recovered two grenades from the abandoned vehicle."
Grenade once meant a pomegranate; the explosive got its name because early hand grenades resembled the fruit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does grenade come from?
English borrowed the word from French “grenade,” a term derived ultimately from Latin “granatum,” meaning “pomegranate.” The fruit's name passed through Old French and medieval Latin before entering English. Grenades received their name because early hand grenades resembled pomegranates, and the military sense became established during the early modern period.
Related word forms
How grenade is actually used
The noun is standard in military, journalistic, and historical contexts. Figurative uses are informal and usually imply sudden disruption or destruction. The culinary sense is specialized, and the verb is chiefly informal or colloquial.
Easily confused with grenade
A grenade is an explosive device, whereas grenadine is a syrup or cocktail flavored with pomegranate.