flashbulb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “flashbulb” mean?
A small electric lamp that produces a very bright flash of light for a very short time, used in photography.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small electric lamp that produces a very bright flash of light for a very short time, used in photography.
1) Anything that provides sudden, brief, and intense illumination or revelation. 2) In psychology, a vivid and detailed memory of an emotionally significant event, often referred to as a 'flashbulb memory'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term 'flashbulb memory' is used equally in both academic and popular contexts in UK and US English.
Connotations
The photographic term can evoke nostalgia for pre-digital photography. The psychological term carries connotations of trauma, surprise, or historical significance.
Frequency
Usage of the core photographic term has declined with the advent of digital cameras and built-in flashes. The psychological term remains current in relevant fields.
Grammar
How to Use “flashbulb” in a Sentence
The [noun] triggered a flashbulb memory of...The room was illuminated by the [adjective] flashbulb.Her mind captured the moment like a [metaphor] flashbulb.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flashbulb” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The journalist's face was lit by a dozen popping flashbulbs.
- Her research focuses on the reliability of flashbulb memories from childhood.
American English
- The old camera required a new flashbulb for every shot.
- Many Americans share a flashbulb memory of the September 11th attacks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing: 'The campaign created a flashbulb moment for the brand.'
Academic
Common in psychology and media studies: 'The study examined the accuracy of flashbulb memories surrounding the event.'
Everyday
Declining for the object; understood for the memory concept: 'I have a flashbulb memory of where I was when I heard the news.'
Technical
Precise term in photography history and psychology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flashbulb”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flashbulb”
- Using 'flashlight' (US) or 'torch' (UK) which are continuous beams, not brief flashes. Confusing 'flashbulb' (the consumable bulb) with 'flashgun' or 'flash unit' (the device). Using it as a verb ('He flashbulbed the scene' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a physical object, its use has declined with digital photography. However, the term 'flashbulb memory' remains very common in psychology and everyday language to describe vividly remembered events.
A 'flashbulb' is a specific, single-use bulb containing flammable material. A 'flash' is the general term for the burst of light, and in modern usage, it refers to the electronic flash unit built into or attached to a camera.
No, it is not standard. The related action is 'to flash' or 'to photograph with a flashbulb'.
No. While they feel incredibly vivid and accurate, psychological research shows that flashbulb memories can be distorted over time, just like ordinary memories, though the confidence in their accuracy remains high.
A small electric lamp that produces a very bright flash of light for a very short time, used in photography.
Flashbulb is usually neutral to formal in register.
Flashbulb: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflæʃbʌlb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæʃˌbʌlb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A flashbulb moment”
- “Etched in memory like a flashbulb”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BULB that FLASHes. For the memory, imagine a sudden camera flash freezing a moment in your mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY IS A PHOTOGRAPH; SUDDEN UNDERSTANDING IS A FLASH OF LIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY technical meaning of 'flashbulb'?