airplane

[air-pleyn]

noun

1. a heavier-than-air aircraft kept aloft by the upward thrust exerted by the passing air on its fixed wings and driven by propellers, jet propulsion, etc.

2. any similar heavier-than-air aircraft, as a glider or helicopter.

airplane

/ ˈɛəˌpleɪn /

noun

1. Also called: aeroplane. a heavier-than-air powered flying vehicle with fixed wings

Other Word Forms

• proairplane adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of airplane¹

1870–75, for an earlier sense; alteration of aeroplane, with air ¹ replacing aero-

Example Sentences

However, S&P’s report acknowledged that satellite data showed a much more modest reduction of 4%, contradicting the company’s own data, which was collected by airplane.

From Salon

Phones that are switched off or in airplane mode will also not get the alert.

From BBC

The 74-year-old superstar is a phenomenon - worshipped in temples built for him, his image carried on airplanes during film promotions, and adored in distant Japan with the passion usually reserved for local idols.

From BBC

"Boys like either dinosaurs or airplanes," he said.

From BBC

“There’s my airplane, sitting there in the airport,” Hong said, finding cigarette butts and garbage strewn about in the cockpit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aircraft 
• airliner 
• cab 
• jet 
• plane 
• ship