flashbulb

noun

flash·​bulb ˈflash-ˌbəlb How to pronounce flashbulb (audio)
Synonyms of flashbulbnext
: an electric bulb that can be used only once to produce a brief and very bright flash for taking photographs

Examples of flashbulb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Slip into one of these, and don’t blame us if the flashbulb start popping. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Dec. 2025 Cut to the next scene and there is Aston Villa’s right-back stepping off the team coach to be met by the popping of flashbulbs. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026 Around his neck, layered chains shining under the flashbulbs, bringing in just the right dose of jewelry to complement the suit’s already opulent fabric. — Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 15 Aug. 2025 The thrills began on Saturday, when the surprise arrival of Kim Kardashian caused a number of flashbulbs on the pit lane to explode. — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flashbulb

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flashbulb was in 1935

Browse Nearby Words

flash bomb
flashbulb
flash burn
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flashbulb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flashbulb. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

flashbulb

noun
flash·​bulb -ˌbəlb How to pronounce flashbulb (audio)
: an electric bulb that produces a brief and very bright flash for taking photographs

More from Merriam-Webster on flashbulb

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for flashbulb

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