ROV
abbreviation or noun
plural ROVs
: an uncrewed underwater vehicle operated by remote control (as to inspect or repair) and used especially in places that cannot be accessed safely or easily by people
The offshore energy industry has long depended on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to carry out critical subsea tasks, but their role has expanded beyond inspection. Today's advanced work-class ROVs support every stage of subsea pipeline construction …—Oil & Gas News
… video from an ROV—a remotely operated vehicle like those that photographed the wreck of RMS Titanic—shows a large and jagged hole starboard-side forward …—Tom Clancy
Simple tasks—like tying a rope in a knot or putting together a nut and bolt—might take an ROV … 30 minutes in deep water, [Mark] Campbell says. A human could do similar tasks in seconds. But we can't dive to 5,000 feet.—John D. Sutter
compare rpv
Cite this Entry
“ROV.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ROV. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.
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