UFOs: meaning, definitions and examples

👽

Add to dictionary

UFOs

[ˈjuː.ef.əʊ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

unidentified flying objects

UFOs refer to any aerial phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained. These objects are often associated with extraterrestrial life and have been the subject of much speculation and debate.

Synonyms

flying saucers, unidentified flying objects.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
UFOs	General term used in most contexts when discussing anything related to mysterious objects seen in the sky that cannot be identified. This is a common abbreviation and is widely recognized. Many people claim to have seen UFOs in this area. The government released new information about UFOs.
unidentified flying objects	A more formal and precise term, often used in official reports, documents, or by scientists and researchers. It's useful when aiming to discuss the topic in a serious and professional manner. The research team is analyzing data on unidentified flying objects observed last year. The military released footage of unidentified flying objects.
flying saucers	Often used in a more casual or sensational context, referring specifically to the classic disc-shaped objects that people often describe when they see UFOs. This term might be used in popular culture, movies, or informal conversations. The old movies always showed flying saucers hovering over cities. My friend swears he saw a flying saucer last night.

Word

Description / Examples

UFOs

General term used in most contexts when discussing anything related to mysterious objects seen in the sky that cannot be identified. This is a common abbreviation and is widely recognized.

Many people claim to have seen UFOs in this area.
The government released new information about UFOs.

unidentified flying objects

A more formal and precise term, often used in official reports, documents, or by scientists and researchers. It's useful when aiming to discuss the topic in a serious and professional manner.

The research team is analyzing data on unidentified flying objects observed last year.
The military released footage of unidentified flying objects.

flying saucers

Often used in a more casual or sensational context, referring specifically to the classic disc-shaped objects that people often describe when they see UFOs. This term might be used in popular culture, movies, or informal conversations.

The old movies always showed flying saucers hovering over cities.
My friend swears he saw a flying saucer last night.

Examples of usage

Many people claim to have seen UFOs in the sky at night.
The military often investigates reports of UFO sightings.
UFO enthusiasts believe that governments are hiding information about alien visitations.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'UFO' was first used in the 1950s by the United States Air Force during investigations into unidentified aerial phenomena.
One of the first widely reported UFO sightings was in 1947, when a man claimed to have seen nine flying saucers near Mount Rainier in Washington.
The Roswell incident of 1947, where a mysterious object crashed, sparked a significant public interest in UFOs and government cover-ups.

Pop Culture

UFOs have been depicted in numerous films, such as 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial', shaping public fascination with extraterrestrial life.
Many popular series like 'The X-Files' revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, blending science fiction with conspiracy theories.
The phrase 'little green men' became iconic in describing extraterrestrial beings, showcasing how these views have permeated popular culture.

Science

Astronomers have been studying unidentified flying phenomena with radar and infrared technology to determine whether they might be advanced technology or natural phenomena.
Some scientists propose that some reported UFO sightings could be explained by atmospheric phenomena, like ball lightning or meteorological events.
Within the scientific community, the search for extraterrestrial life includes efforts like the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), aiming to detect signals from civilizations beyond Earth.

Psychology

Belief in UFOs can be associated with a broader psychological phenomenon known as pareidolia, where people see patterns, like faces, in random stimuli.
The popularity of UFO stories can be partly explained by a desire for mystery and the unknown, tapping into human curiosity about life beyond our planet.
Witnesses often report heightened emotional responses when experiencing a UFO sighting, which can lead to a lasting impact on their belief systems.

Literature

Various authors, including H.G. Wells, have written about alien life and UFOs, combining science fiction with speculation about humanity's future interaction with other worlds.
Books like 'Chariots of the Gods?' suggest ancient aliens influenced early human civilizations, merging archaeology with UFO lore.
The genre of 'ufology' has led to a subculture of literature, detailing investigations, eyewitness accounts, and theories about extraterrestrial life.

Translations

Translations of the word "UFOs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 OVNIs

🇮🇳 अज्ञात उड़ने वाली वस्तुएँ

🇩🇪 UFOs

🇮🇩 UFO

🇺🇦 НЛО

🇵🇱 UFO

🇯🇵 未確認飛行物体 (UFO)

🇫🇷 OVNIs

🇪🇸 OVNIs

🇹🇷 UFO'lar

🇰🇷 미확인 비행 물체

🇸🇦 الأجسام الطائرة المجهولة

🇨🇿 UFO

🇸🇰 UFO

🇨🇳 不明飞行物

🇸🇮 NLP (neznani leteči predmeti)

🇮🇸 Fljúgandi furðuhlutir (UFO)

🇰🇿 ББНЗ (Белгісіз Беймәлім Нысандар)

🇬🇪 ამოუცნობი მფრინავი ობიექტები

🇦🇿 NAM (Naməlum Uçan Obyektlər)

🇲🇽 OVNIs