UAV

American  

1. unmanned aircraft (or aerial) vehicle: an aircraft that can navigate without a human pilot on board; a drone.

   UAVs guided by GPS.

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UAV British  

abbreviation

1. unmanned aerial vehicle

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Etymology

Origin of UAV

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

At a military training ground about 12 miles from the Russian border, members of Yasni Ochi strike UAV unit, part of Khartia corps, are spending the weekend testing new kit for the frontline.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

"If a hostile regime survives, it will likely seek to begin a years-long effort to rebuild its military, missiles and UAV forces," Gabbard said, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

More than 70% of Ukrainian casualties are now the result of drones, while Russia has lost thousands of tanks and armed vehicles to UAV attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

In November, Elbit lost its largest arms contract, worth over $2.5 billion, after the Ministry of Defence scrapped a drone program with Elbit subsidiary UAV Tactical Systems.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2025

From the overburdening of the Aquilla UAV to the massive and poorly planned investment in robotics made by General Motors in the early 1980s, robotics has been an area of unfulfilled promises.

From Shock and Awe — Achieving Rapid Dominance by Wade, James P.