surface-to-air

adjective

sur·​face-to-air ˈsər-fəs-ˌtü-ˈer How to pronounce surface-to-air (audio)
: launched from the ground against a target in the air

Examples of surface-to-air 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.
To understand why, consider the Stinger: a surface-to-air missile with infrared capabilities to home in on targets but that is lightweight and shoulder fired. Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 The Houthis rely on surface-to-air missiles supplied by Iran, but any future opponent is likely to have access to low-cost interceptors like those seen in Ukraine. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Zelensky said during an interview with CBS earlier this week, following the strikes on Kryvyi Rih, that Kyiv was willing to pay $15 billion for 10 of the surface-to-air missile systems. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 The Houthis have surface-to-air missiles — such as the Iranian missile known as the 358 — capable of downing aircraft. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surface-to-air

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surface-to-air was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Surface-to-air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surface-to-air. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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