air alert

American  

noun

1. the act of flying while waiting for combat orders or for enemy airplanes to appear.

2. the signal to take stations for such action.

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air alert British  

noun

1. the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation

2. a signal to prepare for this

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Etymology

Origin of air alert

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Ada, 36, is strolling on the beach, unfazed by the wail of air alert sirens mingling with the squawking of seagulls.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

Ukraine's air force also announced a countrywide air alert in the early hours of Saturday and said on social media that drones and missiles were moving over several Ukrainian regions, including the capital.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

But by late afternoon, as darkness fell, there had not been even one air alert in Kyiv.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2023

And those same apps didn’t have “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill announcing when the danger has passed, reassuringly saying in his Luke Skywalker voice: “The air alert is over. May the force be with you.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2023

"There is a big threat of a missile attack. I want to stress again - do not ignore the air alert sirens," said Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv city military administration.

From Reuters • Feb. 10, 2023