1
: a cautious, unobtrusive, and secretive way of moving or proceeding intended to avoid detection
Makos, among the fastest of sharks, chase down their prey. Slower species … rely on stealth …—Steve Kemper
The intricate labor … required courage and stealth.—Sue M. Halpern
As we walked closer we began treading with exaggerated stealth until we came very close …—Dorothy Dimsdale
A thief does his work in secret and by stealth.—Harry Shaw
2
: an aircraft-design characteristic consisting of oblique angular construction and avoidance of vertical surfaces that is intended to produce a very weak radar return
—usually used before another noun
a stealth bomber/fighter
stealth aircraft
stealth technology
3
a
archaic
: theft
b
obsolete
: something stolen
1
: intended not to attract attention : stealthy
a stealth campaign
… the company has operated in stealth mode until now.—Steve Silberman
Her team seemed to communicate with a secret stealth language …—E. L. Konigsburg
see also stealth entry 1 sense 2
2
medical
: involving or caused by an asymptomatic or presymptomatic infectious individual : silent sense 6b
stealth spread/transmission of a contagious disease
Cite this Entry
“Stealth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stealth. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
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