Definition

To produce a continuous, low, dull sound, often in a repetitive or monotonous manner.

Example

The bee droned around the garden, searching for flowers.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that lecture yesterday?

Yeah, it felt like the professor just kept droning on and on.

I know! I almost fell asleep halfway through.

Same here! It was hard to stay focused.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of aircraft that is controlled remotely and does not have a pilot on board. It can also refer to a male bee that does not work and is mainly there to mate with the queen bee.

Example

The military uses a drone to gather intelligence from the sky.

Conversation

Have you seen the new drone that just came out?

Yeah, it looks amazing! I heard it has a really good camera.

I want to try flying a drone this weekend if the weather is nice.

Definition

To make a continuous, low, humming sound, often in a dull or monotonous way.

Example

The teacher droned on about the history lesson, making it hard for the students to stay awake.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that noise outside?

Yeah, it sounds like something is droning on and on.

I wonder if it's those construction workers again.

Root Explanation

**Drone** → The word 'drone' originates from Old English 'drān', meaning a male bee or a monotonous sound. It refers to the male bee that does not gather nectar but instead produces a buzzing sound, which is where the modern meaning of an unmanned aerial vehicle or a continuous sound comes from.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'monotonous sound' made by a male bee ('drān') to remember that a drone can refer to both a buzzing sound and an unmanned flying device.

Visually Confused Words