UFO

noun

ˌyü-(ˌ)ef-ˈō How to pronounce UFO (audio)
ˈyü-(ˌ)fō
plural UFO's or UFOs ˌyü-(ˌ)ef-ˈōz How to pronounce UFO (audio)
ˈyü-(ˌ)fōz
: a mysterious flying object in the sky that is sometimes assumed to be a spaceship from another planet : unidentified flying object
"All right." The President sighed. "Is there anybody around this table who thinks UFOs and this signal from Vega have anything to do with each other?"Carl Sagan
In 1966, the first UFO "abduction" was described in journalist John G. Fuller's book The Interrupted Journey.Keay Davidson

called also UAP, unidentified aerial phenomenon, unidentified anomalous phenomenon

Examples of UFO in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Are there any common elements of UFO lore like — abductions, ancient aliens, Area 51, Skinwalker Ranch, etc — that some UFO believers have long believed but that your research has suggested are not true? James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2025 From China to Chile, here are 15 UFO hotspots around the world for E.T. seekers who know the truth is out there. Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Sources tell Deadline that Apple Original Films is in talks to land the untitled UFO package that has Joseph Kosinski directing and Jerry Bruckheimer producing. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 In addition, Jason has performed with the rock band UFO, recorded with Paul Rodgers and Joe Bonamassa, toured with Peter Frampton and Heart, among other musical accomplishments. Emily Krauser, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for UFO

Word History

Etymology

unidentified flying object

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of UFO was in 1953

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“UFO.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/UFO. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

plural UFO's or UFOs -ˈōz How to pronounce UFO (audio)
: an unidentified flying object
especially : flying saucer

More from Merriam-Webster on UFO

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