What does waveoff mean?
A waveoff is an order or signal to call off a planned maneuver rather than continue it. The expression is most strongly associated with aviation, where a controller may wave off an aircraft during approach if continuing would be unsafe, usually directing it to go around and try again. It also has military and naval uses for an attack or operation that is abandoned or turned back. As a noun, waveoff names the signal or decision itself; the related phrasal verb wave off describes giving that signal. The term can also be used more broadly for a project or plan that is abruptly stopped, although such uses often carry a slightly informal or technical tone. The word is worth knowing because it names a precise reversal: a planned course of action is deliberately interrupted for safety or strategic reasons. It belongs chiefly to professional English in Britain and the United States and is heard far more often in aviation or operational contexts than in ordinary conversation.
nounA signal or order to abandon, turn back, or postpone a planned maneuver. The term is especially used in aviation for aborting an approach or landing and in military contexts for calling off an attack or operation.
- A signal or order to abandon, turn back, or postpone a planned approach, landing, attack, or operation.
"The air traffic controller gave the arriving aircraft a waveoff because the runway was obscured."
"The air traffic controller gave the arriving aircraft a waveoff because the runway was obscured."
"A waveoff ended the planned attack when the approach became too dangerous."
The hyphenated plural wave-offs is also commonly used in print.
"The pilot received two waveoffs in quick succession."
When a pilot hears “wave off,” the landing plan is over—even if the runway is in sight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waveoff
Waveoff is an English compound of wave and off, describing a signal that directs a planned movement to stop or turn back. The element wave continues Old English wafian, associated with moving or tossing to and fro, while off comes from Old English of. Modern operational use developed in military and aviation contexts during the 20th century; the verb phrase wave off remains the usual form for describing the action.
Related word forms
How waveoff is actually used
This is specialist terminology in aviation, military, and related operational contexts. The phrasal verb wave off is more common in contemporary use than the noun, while broader metaphorical uses for stopping a project or plan can sound informal or technical.
Easily confused with waveoff
A waveoff is a signal to cancel or abandon an operation, whereas way off means a considerable distance or difference.
To waive something is to relinquish a right or requirement, while to wave off an operation is to stop it.