present participle / gerund
Something is bursting suddenly and violently, often because of pressure, heat, or a chemical reaction.
The fireworks were exploding above the lake.
The gas tank was exploding when the firefighters arrived.
American English
How to pronounce exploding
verb · adjectiveB1Common word
ihksPLOHdihng
/ɪksˈpʰloʊ.ɾɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of explode
Something is bursting suddenly and violently, often because of pressure, heat, or a chemical reaction.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
participle adjective
It describes something that is bursting suddenly and violently.
An exploding tire sent rubber across the road.
People ran away from the exploding car.
present participle / gerund
Something is becoming much larger or more intense very quickly.
Demand for electric cars is exploding.
The restaurant's popularity was exploding after its opening.
participle adjective
It describes something that is growing or increasing very quickly.
Exploding demand is putting pressure on small suppliers.
The city cannot keep up with its exploding population.
Useful expressions
to suddenly start burning strongly
The truck exploded into flames.
to suddenly become extremely angry
He exploded with anger at the news.
to prove that a popular belief is false
The study exploded a common myth.
Related words & forms
Drop the final e before -ing: exploding, not explodeing.