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.
South Korea's Cheongung surface-to-air missile system, developed by LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace, reportedly saw its first combat operations as the United Arab Emirates deployed it against Iranian projectiles. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026 These may include surface-to-air interceptors, anti-ship missiles, and long-range weapons designed to strike targets on land. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Mar. 2026 The targeted vessel, identified as the IRIS Dena, was the newest frigate in Iran’s naval fleet and was equipped with surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedo launchers and other heavy weaponry. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 4 Mar. 2026 In February 2024, he was also accused of trying to sell military-grade nuclear material, along with narcotics including heroin and methamphetamine, to buy weapons including surface-to-air missiles for armed groups in Myanmar. CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surface-to-air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surface-to-air. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster