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spy balloon

American  
[spahy-buh-loon] / ˈspaɪ bəˌlun /

noun

  1. a balloon carrying surveillance equipment, typically used by a government or military to gather intelligence.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They were further damaged by a row over a spy balloon last February.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

Those would be the first visits to China by cabinet members this year; both officials traveled to Beijing last year to stabilize relations after tempers flared during the Chinese spy balloon episode.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2024

She certainly didn’t descend to the same level of sartorial carelessness back when she dressed as a Chinese spy balloon.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2024

The bill was brought before the Montana Legislature a few weeks after a Chinese spy balloon flew over the state.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023

Michael Listner, founder and principal of Space Law and Policy Solutions, said China stepped up promoting its narrative of near space during the spy balloon incident, which sent bilateral relations with Washington plummeting.

From Washington Times • Nov. 30, 2023