flyby

noun

fly·​by ˈflī-ˌbī 

plural flybys

1

: a prearranged usually low-altitude flight by one or more airplanes over a public gathering (such as an air show)

2

a

: a flight of a spacecraft past a celestial body (such as Mars) close enough to obtain scientific data

b

: a spacecraft that makes a flyby

Examples of flyby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The flyby of Earth in 2029 is so close that Earth’s gravity could alter its path, amplifying the uncertainty in its orbit. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

This final flyby is hoped to reveal more details about the scorching-hot planet, which sees its surface reach temperatures of up to 870 degrees Fahrenheit. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024

Juno’s next close flyby of Jupiter, perijove 66, will occur on Nov. 25, 2024. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Space agencies and scientific institutes around the world are planning to use the rare flyby to explore Apophis from the ground with telescopes and even spacecraft. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

flyby

noun

fly·​by -ˌbī 

plural flybys

1

: a usually low-altitude flight past a chosen place by one or more aircraft

2

a

: a flight of a spacecraft past a heavenly body (as Mars) close enough to obtain scientific information

b

: a spacecraft that makes a flyby