Definition of "flyby"

flyby

/ˈflaɪˌbaɪ/

noun
plural flybys
1. A flight past a celestial object in order to make observations.
  Quotations
  Farthest from the dim red dwarf Ondeste, the ice dwarf Maisuth has attracted no interest beyond a cursory flyby by automated probe in 1874. No significant resources were noted.
  2010, BioWare, Mass Effect 2 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, PC, scene: Maisuth, Ondeste System
2. (US) A low-level ceremonial flight, typically in connection with an airshow or a military parade.
  Quotations
  Two of your snot-nose jockeys did a fly-by on my tower at over 400 knots!
  1986, Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr., Top Gun (motion picture), spoken by Air Boss Johnson
3. (figurative) A brief visit.
4. (nautical) A sailby performed by a hydrofoil vessel while hydrofoiling.