Meaning & Definition of word "Drone"

Drone

/droʊn/

noun:

  • 1. A male bee, especially one that is not a worker and is capable of mating with a queen bee.
    • Example: During the summer, the hive is filled with drones waiting to mate with the queen.
  • 2. A remote-controlled pilotless aircraft or vehicle that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely.
    • Example: The photographer used a drone to capture aerial footage of the landscape.
  • 3. A continuous low humming sound.
    • Example: The drone of the machinery in the factory was deafening.

verb:

  • 1. To make a continuous low humming sound.
    • Example: The engine droned on as we drove down the highway.
  • 2. To talk in a monotonous tone.
    • Example: He droned on about his weekend plans, hardly making it interesting.

Etymology

Middle English dron(e), from Old English drān (male bee), of uncertain origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

drone on:

To talk continuously in a dull or boring way.

drone of the engine:

The continuous, low sound made by an engine.

drone bee:

A male bee in a colony.

Related Words

UAV:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a synonym for drone used mainly in military contexts.

buzz:

A continuous low humming sound, often associated with bees or electronic devices.

droning:

The act of making a continuous, monotonous sound.

Slang Meanings of drone

Meaning: Someone who is considered lazy or dull.

Example Sentence: Stop being such a drone and get involved!

Meaning: A person who follows others without independent thought.

Example Sentence: He's such a drone, just doing what everyone else is doing.