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Drone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drone

[drษ™สŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

flying device

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is controlled remotely or autonomously. Drones are commonly used for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveillance, and delivery.

Synonyms

UAV, quadcopter, unmanned aerial vehicle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drone

Can also have a negative connotation when referring to monotonous or boring activities or sounds.

  • The professorโ€™s voice was a constant drone that made it hard to stay awake.
  • All I could hear was the drone of the engine.
unmanned aerial vehicle

Formal term used in technical documents, legal contexts, and official reports.

  • The regulation outlines acceptable uses of unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles have a wide range of applications, from agriculture to surveillance.
UAV

An acronym for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, often used in military or formal contexts.

  • The military uses UAVs for reconnaissance missions.
  • The researchers deployed a UAV to survey the coastal area.
quadcopter

Specifically refers to a type of drone with four rotors. Used in technical contexts or when emphasizing the design.

  • The quadcopter is very stable and easy to fly.
  • He's building a DIY quadcopter for his engineering class.

Examples of usage

  • The drone flew over the city capturing stunning aerial views.
  • The military uses drones for reconnaissance missions.
  • The company is testing drone delivery services in urban areas.
Context #2 | Verb

continuous humming sound

To drone means to make a continuous low humming sound, like that of a bee. It can also refer to speaking in a monotonous tone without much variation in pitch or intonation.

Synonyms

buzz, hum, monotone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drone

This is a duplicate; it has the same context and examples as the first 'drone'.
hum

Use 'hum' when referring to a soft, continuous sound, often pleasant or soothing.

  • The hum of the refrigerator is barely noticeable.
  • She hummed a tune while she worked.
buzz

Use 'buzz' for a sound that is sharp, quick, and continuous, typically associated with insects or electronic devices.

  • The bees buzzed around the flowers.
  • My phone buzzed with notifications all day.
monotone

Use 'monotone' to describe a way of speaking or a sound that lacks inflection and can be dull or boring.

  • His monotone voice made the speech hard to listen to.
  • The teacher's monotone drone could put anyone to sleep.

Examples of usage

  • The bees droned as they flew from flower to flower.
  • The professor droned on about the history of literature for hours.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originally comes from the early 20th century, referring to a male bee whose role was to mate.
  • Drones were first developed for military purposes in the 1910s to spot enemies during World War I.
  • The technology evolved greatly in the 21st century, with advancements allowing civilian use for photography and delivery.

Technology

  • Modern drones can be equipped with high-resolution cameras and GPS, making them useful for various applications including surveying land.
  • Some drones are designed to be autonomously controlled, meaning they can fly without a human pilot, following pre-set flight paths.
  • The use of drones in agriculture helps farmers monitor crops and manage resources more efficiently.

Pop Culture

  • Drones have appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, often used for surveillance or in high-speed chase sequences.
  • Famous pop singer Drake has a song titled 'Energy' where he metaphorically refers to 'drones' in relation to constant surveillance.
  • The rise of drone photography has changed how we see landscapes, leading to stunning aerial footage in documentaries and vlogs.

Environmental Impact

  • Drones are increasingly used in environmental conservation to track wildlife and monitor endangered species more closely.
  • They provide an efficient way to gather data on natural disasters, facilitating quicker disaster response and recovery.
  • Drones can minimize environmental impact by allowing for precise application of resources in agriculture, reducing waste and pollution.

Regulations and Ethics

  • The rise in drone usage has led to the creation of laws to ensure safe flying and protect people's privacy.
  • Concerns about drone surveillance have sparked debates about privacy rights and the balance between innovation and security.
  • There are strict regulations in many countries governing drone flight over populated areas to prevent accidents.

Origin of 'drone'

The word 'drone' originated from the Old English term 'drฤn' which meant 'male honeybee'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a continuous humming sound, and later to unmanned aerial vehicles. Drones have become widely used in various industries due to advancements in technology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,982, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.