air-superiority

[ air-suh-peer-ee-awr-i-tee, -or-, -soo- ]

adjective

1. designating a fighter aircraft built for long patrol capability at high altitudes and supersonic speeds, with air-to-air combat as its principal mission.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air-superiority¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

By September 1, 1939, Germany was already losing the contest for air superiority over Britain.

From The Daily Beast

They possess hundreds upon hundreds of frontline jet fighters and the necessary air bases—in sum, full air superiority over Libya.

From The Daily Beast

Later still, when Allied air superiority was assured, there came the phase of machine-gunning bodies of enemy troops from the air.

From Project Gutenberg

It must be applied quickly, decisively, and preferably with impunity (such as stealth bombing with air superiority).

From Project Gutenberg