Airman: meaning, definitions and examples

✈️
Add to dictionary

airman

 

[ ˈeəmən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military personnel

An airman is a member of the air force, especially one who is below officer rank. Airman can also refer to any person who works or travels by air.

Synonyms

aviator, flyer, pilot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
airman

Refers to a member of the air force or someone who operates aircraft, particularly in a military context.

  • The airman successfully completed his mission
  • She aspired to be an airman in the Air Force
aviator

Usually denotes a professional pilot, often with an emphasis on flying skills and experience. It's a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned term.

  • Charles Lindbergh was a famous aviator
  • The aviator wore vintage goggles and a leather jacket
pilot

A general term for someone who operates an aircraft. It can be used in both commercial and private flying contexts.

  • The pilot announced that we were ready for takeoff
  • She trained hard to become a commercial airline pilot
flyer

A casual term for someone who pilots an aircraft. It can also refer to someone who frequently travels by air, not necessarily as a pilot.

  • He's a skilled flyer with hundreds of flying hours
  • As a frequent flyer, she knew the best airports

Examples of usage

  • The airman was promoted to sergeant.
  • The airman received extensive training before his first flight.
  • She met an airman on her flight to Paris.
Context #2 | Noun

aviation

In aviation, an airman is any individual who is involved in the operation or maintenance of aircraft.

Synonyms

aviator, flight crew, pilot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
airman

Used primarily in a military setting to refer to someone who serves in the air force, regardless of their specific role or rank.

  • The airman swiftly responded to the emergency call.
  • She was promoted to a higher rank as a dedicated airman.
aviator

An elegant, somewhat old-fashioned term for someone who flies aircraft, appropriate for historical contexts or when emphasizing the skill and romance of flying.

  • The aviator prepared for the daring cross-Atlantic flight.
  • Charles Lindbergh was a famous aviator of his time.
pilot

Commonly used in both civilian and military aviation to specifically describe someone who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.

  • The pilot announced that we would be landing shortly.
  • She trained for years to become a commercial pilot.
flight crew

Refers to all personnel involved in operating an aircraft, including pilots and other members like flight attendants and engineers.

  • The flight crew worked together to ensure a smooth trip for the passengers.
  • Safety checks were completed by the entire flight crew.

Examples of usage

  • The airman inspected the plane before takeoff.
  • The airman repaired the engine of the helicopter.

Translations

Translations of the word "airman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aviador

🇮🇳 वायुसैनिक

🇩🇪 Flieger

🇮🇩 penerbang

🇺🇦 льотчик

🇵🇱 lotnik

🇯🇵 飛行士

🇫🇷 aviateur

🇪🇸 aviador

🇹🇷 havacı

🇰🇷 비행사

🇸🇦 طيار

🇨🇿 letec

🇸🇰 letec

🇨🇳 飞行员

🇸🇮 letalec

🇮🇸 flugmaður

🇰🇿 ұшқыш

🇬🇪 მფრინავი

🇦🇿 uçuşçu

🇲🇽 aviador

Etymology

The term 'airman' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the words 'air' and 'man'. It first became widely used during World War I to refer to personnel in the newly formed air forces. Since then, 'airman' has been commonly used in military and aviation contexts to describe individuals involved in air operations.

See also: air, airborne, aircraft, airdrop, airfield, airflow, airfoil, airiness, airing, airline, airplane, airs, airship, airspace, airstrike, airstrip, airtight, airway, airy.