air alert

American

noun

the act of flying while waiting for combat orders or for enemy airplanes to appear.
the signal to take stations for such action.

air alert British

noun

the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation
a signal to prepare for this

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of air alert

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ganzha wrote: "We are investigating the details. An air alert is ongoing in the region."

From BBC

Ada, 36, is strolling on the beach, unfazed by the wail of air alert sirens mingling with the squawking of seagulls.

From BBC

Ukraine's air force also announced a countrywide air alert in the early hours of Saturday and said on social media that drones and missiles were moving over several Ukrainian regions, including the capital.

From Barron's

Earlier on Friday morning, the Ukrainian authorities issued an air alert linked to the possible launch of an Oreshnik missile, and urged people in Kyiv to urgently seek shelter.

From BBC

"The US embassy recommends US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced."

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023