Airship: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'airship' as a general term referring to any powered, steerable aircraft that is lighter than air.

• The airship cruised serenely over the city, offering passengers stunning aerial views.
• Early explorers used airships to reach remote areas that were difficult to access by land.

A more formal or historical term for a type of airship that is steerable and can be either rigid or non-rigid. Often used in historical contexts or technical discussions.

• Ferdinand von Zeppelin's early dirigibles were a marvel of engineering in their time.
• Dirigibles played an important role in early attempts at controlled flight.

Mention a type of rigid airship, typically associated with the large, framework airships designed by the German Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. It has historical connotations and is often linked to the early 20th century.

• The Hindenburg disaster marked the end of the commercial zeppelin era.
• Large zeppelins were used for transatlantic flights before the development of modern airplanes.

Refer to a non-rigid airship that maintains its shape through internal gas pressure. It lacks a rigid framework, making it suitable for advertising and observation purposes.

• The Goodyear Blimp is a common sight at major sporting events, providing aerial footage.
• During World War II, blimps were used for coastal patrol and reconnaissance.

Airship is a general term for any lighter-than-air craft that can be steered and powered. This term is suitable in technical or scientific discussions.

• The company specializes in designing next-generation airships for cargo transport

Dirigible is a more formal and older term for steerable airships. This term is appropriate in historical contexts or formal writings.

• The dirigibles used during World War I were primarily for reconnaissance missions

Zeppelin refers specifically to a rigid airship made by the Zeppelin company, often associated with luxury and historic flights. It is suitable when talking about historical or luxurious air travel.

• The luxurious Zeppelin Hindenburg was one of the most famous airships before the tragic accident

Blimp refers to a non-rigid airship that does not have a structural framework. This is often used in casual conversations or discussions about advertising and broadcasting.

• We saw a blimp flying over the stadium, advertising a new soda brand