surface-to-air

adjective

sur·​face-to-air ˈsər-fəs-ˌtü-ˈer 

: launched from the ground against a target in the air

Examples of surface-to-air in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Traditional surface-to-air missiles are often too costly to engage inexpensive drones, prompting defence companies to develop dedicated interceptor UAVs that are faster, more affordable, and capable of hit-to-kill engagements. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

But setting up domestic production of the mobile, surface-to-air systems will take many months, said Serhii Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine’s defense minister. — Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down by Russian separatists with a surface-to-air missile over eastern Ukraine, killing 298 passengers and crew members. — USA Today, 29 June 2026

There are cool weapons, like a lethal surface-to-air dragon harpoon. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surface-to-air

• extraordinaire
• multimillionaire
• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare