fly-by-wire

adjective

ˈflī-bī-ˌwī(-ə)r 

: of, relating to, being, or utilizing a flight-control system in which controls are operated electrically rather than mechanically

Examples of fly-by-wire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Traditional control surfaces create gaps and protrusions that increase radar cross-section and require constant adjustments in fly-by-wire systems. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Honeywell fly-by-wire systems – a system that replaces mechanical flight control linkages with electronic signals – manage the radical aerodynamic changes that transition demands. — Omar Kardoudi june 21, New Atlas, 21 June 2026

Commercial aviation has steadily added automation for decades, leading to today’s fly-by-wire systems in which computers interpret pilot inputs even during manual flight. — Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 24 May 2026

The model brings fly-by-wire controls, turbulence-reduction technology, and optional in-flight service capability with a flight attendant—features rare at this size—with even more advances rumored to be in the works. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fly-by-wire

• mcintire
• admire
• afire
• aspire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire

Kids Definition

fly-by-wire

adjective

: controlled by electrical signals rather than mechanically