flashbulb

noun

flash·​bulb ˈflash-ˌbəlb 

: 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

Crudo but not crudo, salad but not salad, a gorgeous rummage of ingredients popping off flashbulb-bright acidity. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Most Britons have a flashbulb memory of learning of the death of Princess Diana. — Elizabeth A. Phelps, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

On the other hand, flashbulb memories of how an individual person heard about 9/11 are unique. — Jennifer Talarico, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

Miley Cyrus, open-mouthed, nudged Kerry Washington as the woman in spangles swept by—this was red-carpet clothing, flashbulb clothing, clothing to be seen in once rather than excavated annually from a closet of perennials. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

flashbulb

noun

flash·​bulb -ˌbəlb 

: an electric bulb that produces a brief and very bright flash for taking photographs