Synonyms for

Drone

Verb / drəʊn / Another word for drone — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A drone is a male bee or a continuous low humming sound.

Synonyms & similar words

pilotlessaircraft droneon bourdon laggard poke radiocontrolledaircraft dronepipe lagger dawdler monotone droning trailer hum buzz whir thrum vibrate resonate purr whine whistle croon chant murmur groan grumble moan complain gripe whinge protest mutter

Synonyms by register

Formal

unmanned aerial vehicle remotely piloted aircraft UAV

Informal

quadcopter flying robot bug

Literary

automaton mechanical bird

Antonyms

leader manager controller director organizer instigator

Common collocations

  • remote-controlled drone
  • surveillance drone
  • delivery drone
  • military drone
  • drone technology
  • drone pilot
  • drone strike

Word family

noun drone
verb drone
adjective droning

Usage note

The word 'drone' can refer to both an unmanned aircraft and, in a more negative sense, a person who is perceived as unthinking or unfeeling. Be mindful of the context to avoid unintended connotations.

Example sentences

  1. The drone of the lawnmower was so loud that I couldn't hear myself think.
  2. The queen bee mates with the drone bees.
  3. The drone flew over the field, taking pictures.
  4. The kids thought it was funny to make a drone sound with their mouths.
  5. The sound of the drone lulled me to sleep.

Quotes

  • 'If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.' - Albert Einstein
  • 'The drone of the engine, the roar of the tires, like music to my ears.' - Anonymous
  • 'I am a drone in a hive, and I simply cannot be anything else.' - Anonymous

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