bombing run: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (technical/military) and Informal (metaphorical)
Quick answer
What does “bombing run” mean?
A single flight by an aircraft over a target area for the purpose of dropping bombs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A single flight by an aircraft over a target area for the purpose of dropping bombs.
A rapid, focused effort or series of actions designed to achieve a specific, often aggressive, goal within a short timeframe. This can be used metaphorically in contexts like business, sports, or intense work periods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally used in its core military sense in both varieties. The metaphorical extension is also understood, though it may be slightly more frequent in American business/media contexts.
Connotations
Strong, negative military connotations in literal use. In metaphorical use, connotations are of high-pressure, focused, and aggressive activity.
Frequency
Similar in frequency for the core meaning. The metaphorical usage is niche but understood.
Grammar
How to Use “bombing run” in a Sentence
The [aircraft] performed a bombing run on the [target]They flew a bombing run over [location]A bombing run against [target] was conducted.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bombing run” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pilot will bomb the target during the run.
American English
- The squadron is scheduled to bomb the coordinates on its next run.
adjective
British English
- The bombing-run scenario was part of the training exercise.
American English
- They reviewed the bombing-run footage for analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The sales team went on a bombing run to close all pending deals before the quarter ended.'
Academic
Used in historical, military, or political science contexts to describe specific tactical operations in warfare.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation, except metaphorically to describe an intense burst of activity (e.g., cleaning, shopping).
Technical
Standard term in military aviation to describe the specific flight path and phase of an attack from weapon release to egress.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bombing run”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bombing run”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bombing run”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They bombing ran the factory' – incorrect). It is a compound noun.
- Confusing it with 'bomb run-up' or 'runway'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, typically written as two separate words.
Its literal military use is inherently violent and negative. The metaphorical use is neutral-to-positive regarding productivity but carries connotations of high stress and aggression.
A 'bombing run' refers specifically to the flight path and action of a single aircraft (or formation) during an attack. An 'air strike' is the broader event or mission, which may involve multiple bombing runs or different types of aircraft.
Yes, it remains a standard technical term in aviation and military doctrine, though specific tactics and technology have evolved.
A single flight by an aircraft over a target area for the purpose of dropping bombs.
Bombing run is usually formal (technical/military) and informal (metaphorical) in register.
Bombing run: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒm.ɪŋ ˌrʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑː.mɪŋ ˌrʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bomber plane making a single RUN down a track (the attack path) to drop its BOMBing payload at the finish line (the target).
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSE ACTIVITY IS WARFARE; ACHIEVING A GOAL IS HITTING A TARGET.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical business context, what does 'a bombing run' most likely mean?