UFO

[ˌjuː.ɛf.ˈoʊ]
nounmasculinepl: UFOs
OVNI (Objeto Voador Não Identificado)
1. An unidentified flying object, particularly one believed by some to be an alien spacecraft
The pilot reported seeing a UFO hovering above the clouds.
O piloto relatou ter visto um OVNI pairando sobre as nuvens.
2. Any flying object that cannot be identified or explained by conventional means
Witnesses described the UFO as circular with flashing lights.
Testemunhas descreveram o OVNI como circular com luzes piscantes.
UFO is a widely recognized term in both American and Brazilian English, particularly in the context of popular culture, science fiction, and conspiracy theories. In Brazil, OVNI is the standard acronym and is often used in news media and scientific discussions. Both cultures have strong UFO folklore traditions, though the term carries more paranormal/extraterrestrial connotations in casual usage than in academic contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
flying saucerunidentified flying objectaerial phenomenon
Antonyms / Antônimos
identified aircraftknown aircraft

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
OVNI
Standard abbreviation for 'Objeto Voador Não Identificado'; widely understood and used
São Paulo
OVNI / UFO
Both terms used interchangeably, with OVNI being more formal
Rio de Janeiro
OVNI / disco voador
'Disco voador' (flying saucer) also commonly used in casual speech
Portugal
OVNI
Same abbreviation used, though less frequent in everyday conversation than in Brazil

Related Words

alienextraterrestrialspacecraftsightingabductionconspiracy

Related Idioms & Phrases

UFO sighting - the observation of an unidentified flying object
out of nowhere like a UFO - appearing suddenly and unexpectedly
UFO conspiracy - theories about government cover-ups of UFO encounters
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