air alert

noun

1
: the period during which military and civilian agencies are required to be in readiness for an enemy air attack
also : the warning signal that begins such a period
2
: combat or standby status of the aircraft, aircrew, and ground communications system that may have to repel the enemy air attack

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of air alert was in 1927

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Dictionary Entries Near air alert

airable

air alert

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Cite this Entry

“Air alert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20alert. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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