dive-bomber

A dive-bomber releases its payload during a steep descent.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Military aircraft: A "dive-bomber" is a type of bomber aircraft designed to release its bombs while diving steeply toward a target, allowing for greater accuracy in hitting specific objectives such as ships, bridges, or ground installations.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a dive-bomber": to perform the role of such an aircraft in a military context.
  • The squadron was trained to act as dive-bombers, attacking fortified positions from a steep angle.

Variants and Related Words

• Dive-bombing (n): the action or tactic of attacking with a dive-bomber.

  • Dive-bombing required great skill to pull out of the dive at the last moment.

• Dive-bomber pilot (n): a person who operates a dive-bomber.

  • The dive-bomber pilot had to maintain steady control during the steep descent.

Synonyms

• Stuka: a specific German dive-bomber from World War II, often used as a generic term for such aircraft.
• Attack bomber: a broader term for bombers used for tactical strikes.

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs