Word
bombardier
Phoneticsbom·bardier
US/ˌbɑmbɝˈdɪɹ/
UK/bˌɒmbədˈiə/
Definitions
01aircraft crew member
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. a member of a military plane's crew who is responsible for aiming and releasing bombs.
n. a member of a bomber aircrew responsible for sighting and releasing the aircraft's payload.
“The bombardier checked his sights as the plane approached the target.”
“During the mission, the bombardier had to maintain absolute focus on the optical sights despite the heavy anti-aircraft fire surrounding the formation.”
Usage
Commonly used in historical contexts regarding World War II aviation.
Synonyms
02military rank
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Technical
n. a rank for a soldier in the artillery, similar to a corporal.
n. a non-commissioned officer rank in the artillery branches of certain Commonwealth armies, equivalent to the rank of corporal.
“He was promoted to bombardier after serving three years in the Royal Artillery.”
“The bombardier was responsible for the discipline and technical proficiency of the gun crew during the live-fire exercise.”
Usage
Often abbreviated as Bdr in military documents.
Synonyms
03bombardier beetle
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a type of beetle that sprays a hot, smelly chemical to defend itself.
n. a ground beetle of the subfamily Brachininae that defends itself by audibly spraying a hot, noxious chemical liquid.
“The bombardier beetle escaped the predator by firing a jet of boiling liquid.”
“Researchers studied the unique combustion chamber of the bombardier beetle to understand how it survives the high temperatures of its own chemical spray.”
Real-World Examples
“Both men were bombardiers, a Canadian enlisted army rank equivalent to corporal.” “United States President Donald Trump has said that Canada-based aeroplane maker Bombardier can no longer sell in the US unless they start manufacturing their planes in the United States.” “The court previously heard the 19-year-old, who was originally from Cumbria, had been subjected to an "intense period of unwelcome behaviour" from Bombardier Ryan Mason, who was her line manager at the time.” Etymology
Partly borrowed from Italian bombardiere, from bombarda + -iere, and partly from Middle French bombardier, from bombard + -ier. By surface analysis, bombard + -ier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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