area bombing

noun

: air bombardment in which all attacking aircraft release their bombs in a fairly large target area instead of attempting to hit one specific target

called also carpet bombing, pattern bombing, saturation bombing

compare precision bombing

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of area bombing was in 1941

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near area bombing

Cite this Entry

“Area bombing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area%20bombing. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!