Airplane: meaning, definitions and examples

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airplane

 

[ ˈɛrˌpleɪn ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

transportation

An airplane is a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces.

Synonyms

aircraft, jet, plane.

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Word Description / Examples
airplane

Typically used in everyday conversation to refer to a common type of aircraft that people travel in.

  • I'm flying to New York on a commercial airplane.
  • The airplane took off smoothly despite the weather.
plane

A casual and short form for airplane, used in informal speech.

  • We watched the planes take off and land at the airport.
  • I prefer traveling by plane because it's faster.
aircraft

A more formal or technical term encompassing various types of flying machines, including helicopters, gliders, and jets. Often used in aviation industries or official communication.

  • The aircraft underwent a thorough inspection before the flight.
  • Both military and civilian aircraft were involved in the operation.
jet

Commonly refers to a fast, powerful type of airplane, typically used for long-distance travel, military purposes, or private luxury travel.

  • They chartered a private jet for the business trip.
  • The sound of the jet engines was deafening.

Examples of usage

  • I took an airplane to travel to Europe.
  • The airplane landed safely despite the storm.
Context #2 | Noun

military

An airplane can also refer to a military aircraft designed for warfare.

Synonyms

bomber, fighter jet, warplane.

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Word Description / Examples
airplane

Used in general conversations about flying or air travel.

  • I booked a ticket on an airplane to New York.
  • The airplane took off smoothly.
warplane

A general term for any military aircraft used in combat.

  • The museum has several historical warplanes on display.
  • The sky was filled with warplanes during the conflict.
fighter jet

Describes a fast and agile military aircraft designed for air-to-air combat.

  • The air force deployed fighter jets to patrol the skies.
  • She watched a fighter jet perform incredible maneuvers at the air show.
bomber

Refers to a military aircraft specifically designed to drop bombs.

  • The bomber flew over the target area.
  • During the war, the bomber was a crucial part of air raids.

Examples of usage

  • The army used airplanes for reconnaissance missions.
  • The enemy's airplanes bombed the city.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To airplane means to travel by airplane.

Synonyms

fly, jet, travel by air.

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Word Description / Examples
airplane

A common term used for all kinds of powered, fixed-wing aircraft.

  • I booked a ticket on the next airplane to New York
  • The airplane taxied down the runway
fly

Used as a verb to describe the act of traveling by air.

  • We will fly to Paris next weekend
  • He loves to fly to different countries
jet

Specifically refers to a jet aircraft, which is faster and usually used for commercial, military, or private purposes.

  • The business jet will get you to your destination much faster
  • He enjoys the comfort of traveling in a private jet
travel by air

A general phrase that encompasses all forms of air transportation. It can be used to describe the action of moving through the air using any type of aircraft.

  • Many people prefer to travel by air because it's quicker
  • Traveling by air during holidays can be hectic

Examples of usage

  • We decided to airplane to our destination rather than drive.

Translations

Translations of the word "airplane" in other languages:

🇵🇹 avião

🇮🇳 विमान

🇩🇪 Flugzeug

🇮🇩 pesawat

🇺🇦 літак

🇵🇱 samolot

🇯🇵 飛行機 (ひこうき)

🇫🇷 avion

🇪🇸 avión

🇹🇷 uçak

🇰🇷 비행기

🇸🇦 طائرة

🇨🇿 letadlo

🇸🇰 lietadlo

🇨🇳 飞机 (fēijī)

🇸🇮 letalo

🇮🇸 flugvél

🇰🇿 ұшақ

🇬🇪 თვითმფრინავი

🇦🇿 təyyarə

🇲🇽 avión

Etymology

The term 'airplane' dates back to the early 20th century, derived from the combination of 'air' and 'plane'. The Wright brothers are credited with building and flying the first successful airplane in 1903, revolutionizing transportation and travel. Since then, airplanes have become an integral part of modern society, connecting people and cultures around the world.

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