raf

Everyday

1. (abbreviation) The RAF: the Royal Air Force, the air force of the United Kingdom, founded in 1918. tree →
2. (Australia, NZ, Canada) RAAF, RNZAF and RCAF are the Royal Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Air Forces, named in the same way. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons the RAF is famous for the Battle of Britain in 1940; in everyday life it appears at air shows (the Red Arrows) and in careers talks. Phrases: «in the RAF», «RAF pilot», «RAF base», «the Red Arrows of the RAF».

Examples

• My great-grandad flew Spitfires in the RAF. tree →
• The RAF won the Battle of Britain in 1940. tree →
• The Red Arrows are the RAF's display team. tree →
• There is an RAF base near our town. tree →
• She joined the RAF as an engineer. tree →
• Winston Churchill praised the RAF pilots as «the few». tree →

Note

Written in capitals: RAF. Said as letters (R-A-F) or sometimes as one word «raff». Use «the»: the RAF. It is an abbreviation, not an ordinary word. Founded on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world.