Aircraft: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is a broad category used to describe any machine capable of flying. It can refer to airplanes, helicopters, gliders, etc.

• The aircraft will undergo routine maintenance tomorrow.
• The company designs and manufactures various types of aircraft.

Typically used to refer to fixed-wing aircraft powered by engines. It’s a common term for commercial passenger planes.

• We will be traveling to New York by airplane.
• The airplane landed safely after a long flight.

A more casual or colloquial term for an airplane. It’s used in everyday conversation.

• I’m taking a plane to Florida next week.
• The plane was delayed due to bad weather.

Used to describe a type of aircraft that achieves lift and propulsion from rotors rather than fixed wings. Helicopters are capable of vertical takeoff and landing.

• The rescue team arrived quickly in a helicopter.
• Helicopters are often used for medical emergencies.

This term is rarely used in modern language and has a historical or experimental connotation. It was more common in the early days of aviation.

• The Wright brothers are famous for creating the first successful flying machine.
• Early flying machines were very different from today’s advanced aircraft.