flying bomb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical / Technical / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “flying bomb” mean?
A self-propelled, unmanned aircraft or missile, historically referring specifically to the German V-1 weapon used in WWII, which was a small, pilotless jet aircraft carrying an explosive warhead.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A self-propelled, unmanned aircraft or missile, historically referring specifically to the German V-1 weapon used in WWII, which was a small, pilotless jet aircraft carrying an explosive warhead.
Any type of early guided missile or unmanned explosive aircraft. Can be used metaphorically to describe something that is propelled destructively and without control towards a target.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in technical/historical reference. Possibly more prevalent in British historical discourse due to the direct experience of the V-1 attacks on London.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes WWII, terror weapons, and indiscriminate bombardment. The metaphorical use implies an unstoppable, destructive force.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary use outside historical contexts. Slightly higher recognition in the UK due to living memory and historical education.
Grammar
How to Use “flying bomb” in a Sentence
The [noun] was hit by a flying bomb.They launched flying bombs at [target].The [target] was devastated by flying bombs.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying bomb” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used attributively as a standalone adjective. Use compound noun: 'a flying-bomb attack').
American English
- (Not used attributively as a standalone adjective. Use compound noun: 'a flying-bomb site').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'The new market entrant is a flying bomb for established players.'
Academic
Used in historical, military history, and technology studies contexts.
Everyday
Very rare. Would almost exclusively appear in discussions about WWII.
Technical
Used in historical descriptions of early missile technology and autonomous weapons systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying bomb”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying bomb”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying bomb”
- Using 'flying bomb' to refer to a bomb dropped from an aircraft (that is an 'aerial bomb' or simply 'bomb').
- Capitalising it when not referring specifically to the V-1 (e.g., 'a Flying Bomb').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, the V-1 flying bomb is considered an early cruise missile. However, in modern terminology, 'missile' is broader, and 'flying bomb' is an archaic, specific term.
'Buzz bomb' comes from the distinct buzzing sound of its pulsejet engine. 'Doodlebug' (mainly British) was a colloquial, almost sardonic nickname, comparing the weapon to a small insect.
Yes, but only metaphorically. E.g., 'The scandal was a political flying bomb that destroyed his career.' It emphasizes an uncontrolled, destructive force.
The V-1 was a pulsejet-powered, winged cruise missile that flew like an aircraft. The V-2 was a ballistic missile—a rocket that arced high into space before falling on its target at supersonic speed.
A self-propelled, unmanned aircraft or missile, historically referring specifically to the German V-1 weapon used in WWII, which was a small, pilotless jet aircraft carrying an explosive warhead.
Flying bomb is usually historical / technical / figurative in register.
Flying bomb: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈbɒm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈbɑːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphor] He was like a flying bomb, causing chaos wherever he went.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BOMB with wings, FLYing on its own like a deadly metal insect—that's a flying bomb.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN UNCONTROLLABLE FORCE IS A PILOTLESS EXPLOSIVE WEAPON.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most specific historical referent of 'flying bomb'?