Langimage
English

drone

|drone|

B2

🇺🇸

/droʊn/

🇬🇧

/drəʊn/

continuous sound

Etymology
Etymology Information

'drone' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'drān,' where 'drān' meant 'male bee.'

Historical Evolution

'drān' transformed into the Middle English word 'drone,' and eventually became the modern English word 'drone.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'male bee,' but over time it evolved to include meanings like 'a continuous low humming sound' and 'unmanned aircraft.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a continuous low humming sound.

The drone of the air conditioner was soothing.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a male bee, especially a honeybee, that does not work and has no sting.

The drone's only role is to mate with the queen.

Synonyms

Noun 3

an unmanned aircraft or ship that can navigate autonomously.

The military uses drones for surveillance.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to make a continuous low humming sound.

The refrigerator droned in the background.

Synonyms

Verb 2

to speak in a monotonous tone.

He droned on about his vacation for hours.

Synonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35