dive bombing

noun

, Military.

1. a technique of bombing in which the bomb load is released when the aircraft is in a steep dive, usually at an angle of 60 degrees or more from horizontal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dive bombing¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Mr. Conter later attended Navy flight school and flew 200 combat missions in the Pacific, some of them involving nighttime dive bombing of Japanese targets.

From New York Times

He flew 200 combat missions in the Pacific with a “Black Cats” squadron, which conducted dive bombing at night in planes painted black.

From Seattle Times

The competition consisted of aerial gunnery at 12,000 feet and 20,000 feet, skip bombing, rocket firing, panel strafing and dive bombing, according to the Air Force.

From Washington Post

“Captain McCarthy participated in several combat dive bombing strikes against enemy held airstrips, towns, and supply and ammunition dumps, as rear seat aerial gunner for me and for other pilots,” wrote Maj E.C.

From Washington Post

The harpies go for her, dive‑bombing her and scraping at her skull with their talons.

From The Guardian