bombload: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ / Very LowTechnical/Military
Quick answer
What does “bombload” mean?
The total weight or quantity of bombs carried by a military aircraft on a single mission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The total weight or quantity of bombs carried by a military aircraft on a single mission.
The payload capacity for bombs on a military aircraft; figuratively, a heavy or burdensome amount of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'tonne' vs 'ton' in related text). No significant difference in usage.
Connotations
Technical military terminology without positive/negative emotional charge. In non-military figurative use, it connotes an oppressive or overwhelming quantity.
Frequency
Very rare in general language. Slightly more frequent in US discourse due to larger military literature/media output, but the term itself is equally established in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “bombload” in a Sentence
The [aircraft] had/carried/dropped a bombload of [X tons].The maximum bombload was [X].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Figurative use extremely rare and jarring.
Academic
Used only in historical, military, or engineering studies related to aviation warfare.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in military specifications, pilot briefings, historical analyses, and aircraft manuals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bombload”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to bombload').
- Using it in non-military contexts without clear ironic/figurative intent.
- Misspelling as two words ('bomb load'). While sometimes seen, the closed compound 'bombload' is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a closed compound, written as one word: 'bombload'. The spaced form 'bomb load' is occasionally seen but is less standard.
It is possible but very rare and stylistically marked, implying an overwhelming, burdensome quantity (e.g., 'a bombload of paperwork'). It should be used with caution outside military contexts.
'Payload' is a broader term for all revenue-producing or mission-essential cargo (passengers, freight, weapons). 'Bombload' is a specific type of payload consisting only of bombs.
No. It is a very low-frequency, domain-specific (military/aviation) term. Most learners will never need it unless they have a specific interest in those fields.
The total weight or quantity of bombs carried by a military aircraft on a single mission.
Bombload is usually technical/military in register.
Bombload: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒm.ləʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːm.loʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “carry a bombload of [work/problems]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a plane's LOAD of BOMBs = BOMBLOAD. It's the bomb-carrying capacity.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS WEIGHT (A heavy workload is a bombload).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bombload' MOST appropriate?