flyby

See also: fly by and fly-by

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

fly +‎ by

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈflaɪˌbaɪ/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Rhymes: -aɪbaɪ

Noun

flyby (plural flybys)

  1. A flight past a celestial object in order to make observations.
    The upcoming flyby of Halley's comet is expected to provide new information on the nature of the comet.
    • 2010, BioWare, Mass Effect 2 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Maisuth, Ondeste System:
      Farthest from the dim red dwarf Ondeste, the ice dwarf Maisuth has attracted no interest beyond a cursory flyby by automated probe in 1874. No significant resources were noted.
  2. (US) A low-level ceremonial flight, typically in connection with an airshow or a military parade.
    Synonyms: (UK) flypast, (US) flyover
    • 1986, Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr., Top Gun (motion picture), spoken by Air Boss Johnson:
      Two of your snot-nose jockeys did a fly-by on my tower at over 400 knots!
  3. (figurative) A brief visit.
  4. (nautical) A sailby performed by a hydrofoil vessel while hydrofoiling.

Derived terms

Translations

See also
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