Molotov cocktail

noun

Mo·lo·tov cocktail ˈmä-lə-ˌtȯf-

ˈmȯ-,

ˈmō-,

-ˌtȯv-

: a crude bomb made of a bottle filled with a flammable liquid (such as gasoline) and usually fitted with a wick (such as a saturated rag) that is ignited just before the bottle is hurled

Examples of Molotov cocktail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

In the first three months of the war, the archive collected dreams featuring air raids, fireworks, Molotov cocktails, shells, guns, railway stations, debris, drones, soldiers, bunkers, planes, concrete blockades, loudspeakers, camouflage netting, alarm backpacks, Telegram and Signal networks. —

Mireille Juchau, The Dial, 4 Feb. 2025 Investigators uncovered materials to make additional Molotov cocktails inside the vehicle. —

Khaleda Rahman, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 English contemplated throwing the Molotov cocktails at Bessent's feet, according to the affidavit, which was filed in Washington, D.C., federal court. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025 During a search, officers found English with a folding knife and Molotov cocktails in his jacket pockets, authorities said. —

Louis Casiano, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for Molotov cocktail

Word History

Etymology

Vyacheslav M. Molotov

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Molotov cocktail was in 1940

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Molotov cocktail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Molotov%20cocktail. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

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