flying saucer

noun

1. any of various disk-shaped objects allegedly seen flying at high speeds and altitudes, often with extreme changes in speed and direction, and thought by some to be manned by intelligent beings from outer space. Compare UFO ( def ), UAP ( def ).

flying saucer

noun

1. any disc-shaped flying object alleged to come from outer space

Word History and Origins

Origin of flying saucer¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In the early 20th century, not long after Pierre de Coubertin relaunched the modern Olympic Games, Yale students noticed that their local pie tins zipped through the air like flying saucers.

From BBC

Unveiled on Friday, the new patches feature the official city logo of a flying saucer with a classic beam radiating downward to form the letter “R.”

From Seattle Times

Traditional academia has mostly avoided UAP research because of the stigma of flying saucers and space invaders.

From Science Daily

Compared to those, gray, almond-eyed aliens in flying saucers, hellbent on destroying humanity, feel like a throwback to simpler times.

From New York Times

For all its deeper thoughts, “Fargo” is a cartoon at heart, with exaggerated characters in extreme situations, and a willingness — as with Season 3’s flying saucer — to get weird.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• spaceship