heavy bomber

American  

noun

1. a large plane capable of carrying heavy bomb loads for long distances, especially at high altitudes.

---

Etymology

Origin of heavy bomber

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff in what military officials said was supposed to be a test flight to update the B-52’s radar, and a wider effort to modernize the 70-year-old heavy bomber fleet.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

The B-52 is a heavy bomber that first flew in 1954 and was originally designed for war with the Soviet Union.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

Army Air Force gunner’s remains have been accounted for nearly eight decades after the heavy bomber he was flying in was shot down over France during World War II, military officials said Monday.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 27, 2023

This particular story, of the crew of a Handley Page Halifax heavy bomber, is about how a small group of young Canadians flew in the skies over Europe during the Battle of the Ruhr.

From BBC • May 5, 2023

They went in groups in a big four-engine heavy bomber, to give them experience calculating unplanned routes.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein