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flash gun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˈflæʃ ɡʌn/US/ˈflæʃ ɡʌn/

Technical / Specialized

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Quick answer

What does “flash gun” mean?

A handheld device that produces a brief, intense burst of artificial light, used to illuminate a scene for photography.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A handheld device that produces a brief, intense burst of artificial light, used to illuminate a scene for photography.

Primarily a photographic device; in historical or technical contexts, may refer to early photographic equipment using combustible material (e.g., magnesium powder). No significant extended figurative use.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. Spelling preference: Both regions use 'flashgun' (solid) and 'flash gun' (open).

Connotations

Neutral technical term in both. Slightly old-fashioned, as modern integrated or hot-shoe flashes are more common than traditional 'guns'.

Frequency

Low frequency in general discourse, but standard in photography. More common in instructional/photography texts than everyday speech.

Grammar

How to Use “flash gun” in a Sentence

attach [the flashgun] [to the camera]fire [the flashgun]use [a flashgun] [for low-light photography]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
attach a flashgunpowerful flashgunbattery-powered flashgunexternal flashgun
medium
flashgun unitflashgun bracketflashgun syncold flashgun
weak
flashgun lightflashgun holderflashgun flash

Examples

Examples of “flash gun” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adverb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adjective

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, except in retail of photographic equipment.

Academic

Used in photography, media, or history of technology papers.

Everyday

Low usage; mostly by photography enthusiasts.

Technical

Standard term in photography manuals, reviews, and tutorials.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “flash gun”

Neutral

external flashstrobe (unit)speedlight (proprietary term)

Weak

camera flashlight

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “flash gun”

available lightnatural lightcontinuous light (source)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “flash gun”

  • Using 'flashgun' to refer to the built-in flash on a camera. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I flashgunned the scene').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both 'flashgun' (solid) and 'flash gun' (open) are acceptable, with 'flashgun' being slightly more common in modern dictionaries.

A flashgun is an external, often more powerful and versatile unit that attaches to the camera's hot shoe or via a cable. A built-in flash is fixed into the camera body.

It can sound slightly dated, as 'external flash' or 'speedlight' are now more common. However, it remains a correct and understood technical term.

No. The correct verb is 'to flash' or 'to use a flash/flashgun'.

A handheld device that produces a brief, intense burst of artificial light, used to illuminate a scene for photography.

Flash gun is usually technical / specialized in register.

Flash gun: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflæʃ ɡʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæʃ ɡʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “None”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a GUN that shoots out a FLASH of light instead of a bullet.

Conceptual Metaphor

TOOL IS A WEAPON (it 'fires' a flash).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
To avoid harsh shadows, the photographer bounced the light from the off the ceiling.
Multiple Choice

What is a 'flashgun' primarily used for?