UFO

[yoo-ef-oh, yoo-foh]

abbreviation

plural

UFO's, UFOs 

1. unidentified flying object: any unexplained moving object observed in the sky, especially one assumed by some observers to be of extraterrestrial origin.

UFO

/ ˈjuːfəʊ /

abbreviation

1. unidentified flying object

UFO

¹

1. The abbreviation for u nidentified f lying o bject. Sometimes referred to colloquially as “flying saucers.” Most UFO sightings have prosaic explanations; there is no hard evidence that extraterrestrial beings are visiting Earth.

UFO

²

1. An abbreviation for “U nidentified F lying O bject.” Often described as “flying saucers,” some UFOs are believed to come from other planets or galaxies and thus support the idea that human beings are not the only form of intelligent life in the universe. Few scientists agree.

Usage

See UAP.

Word History and Origins

Origin of UFO¹

First recorded 1950–55

Example Sentences

He recalls its emphasis on music and quirkiness—including a science teacher who had been interviewed for a UFO documentary and sports coaches who sang in the open-air hallways.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There was a sharp rise in reported UFO sightings.

Read more on Literature

Over time, he added other topics—interviews with exorcists and people who reported UFO sightings, as well as tech executives.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Thirty years ago, Scotland was the centre of the UFO world.

Read more on BBC

He was inspired by the rock music of his adolescence: Kiss, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and UFO.

Read more on Los Angeles Times