UAP

abbreviation for

, plural UAP's, UAPs.

1. unidentified aerial phenomenon: a phenomenon or object in the atmosphere, observed from the ground or the air, whose nature or cause remains unexplained even after subsequent scientific analysis. Compare UFO ( def ), flying saucer ( def ).

Usage Note

In 2021, the U.S. government released for the first time an unclassified intelligence assessment of UAP’s (unidentified aerial phenomena). The report avoided use of the older term UFO (unidentified flying object) because of its association with unproven claims of extraterrestrial spacecraft sightings. UAP has been embraced as the official term, as it expresses a neutral position on the associated phenomena that remain an ongoing mystery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of UAP¹

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

There are some distinctions between how the UAP debate and those over COVID’s origins and the safety and efficacy of vaccines have unfolded.

From Los Angeles Times

“I see what I was doing on UAP and misinformation as a microcosm of many other issues that challenge the U.S. today. That is, the division across belief lines where evidence suggests a contrary opinion that conflicts with one’s own belief system or political system.”

From Los Angeles Times

After the dissolution of last year’s UAP Disclosure Act, he’s now lobbying Congress to establish an independent board that would gather and declassify information and protect whistleblowers.

From Los Angeles Times

Rep. Tim Burchett formed a bipartisan UAP caucus.

From Los Angeles Times

“But there’s no question that since the New York Times story in 2017 and the release of UAP videos from the Pentagon, there’s been a lot more exposure of our community in the mainstream. We try to have fun with it — there’s lots of new people at the event and we want them to know it’s just something to ponder.”

From Los Angeles Times