Airship Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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airship

[ˈɛərˌʃɪp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

transport

An airship is a type of aerostat or lighter-than-air aircraft that can navigate through the air under its own power.

Synonyms

blimp, dirigible, zeppelin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
airship	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.
dirigible	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.
zeppelin	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.
blimp	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.

Examples of usage

The airship floated gracefully through the sky.
The passengers enjoyed the breathtaking view from the airship.
The airship was used for transportation during the early 20th century.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

history

An airship is a type of aircraft that uses gas for lift and propulsion.

Synonyms

blimp, dirigible, zeppelin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
airship	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	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	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	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

Examples of usage

The Hindenburg disaster is a well-known event involving an airship.
The history of airships dates back to the late 19th century.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Airships, also known as dirigibles, became popular in the late 19th century as a means of air travel.
The first successful airship flight took place in 1852 when Henri Giffard flew a steam-powered airship in France.
The most famous airship disaster was the Hindenburg tragedy in 1937, leading to a decline in their use.

Science

Airships utilize buoyancy to float, relying on lighter-than-air gases such as helium or hydrogen.
The design of an airship allows it to be steered and controlled, differing from balloons that simply drift with the wind.
Pressure inside the envelope of an airship is crucial for maintaining its shape and flight stability.

Pop Culture

Airships appear in various films and books, often symbolizing adventure and exploration, such as in the animated movie 'Up'.
In Steampunk culture, airships often represent technological advancement and fantastical journeys in a retro-futuristic world.
The legendary 'Griffon' airship in the 'Final Fantasy' video game series showcases imaginative air travel in fantasy settings.

Technology

Modern airships are being revisited for surveillance, advertising, and cargo transport due to their eco-friendly nature compared to planes.
Some contemporary airships use solar panels to power their operations, showcasing advances in sustainable technology.
Airships operate relatively quietly compared to airplanes, making them suitable for certain missions like wildlife observation.

Literature

Airships feature prominently in classic adventure novels, such as Jules Verne's 'The Adventures of Captain Hatteras', capturing the imagination of readers.
In 'The Wind Rises', a film by Studio Ghibli, airships symbolize dreams of flying and innovation, reflecting their cultural impact.
Many steampunk novels embrace airships as a technology of a bygone era, intertwining history and fiction.

Origin of 'airship'

The concept of an airship dates back to the late 18th century when the first designs for lighter-than-air vehicles were proposed. The invention of the airship revolutionized transportation and warfare in the early 20th century, with iconic examples like the Zeppelin airships. However, the Hindenburg disaster in 1937 marked a turning point in the use of airships for commercial travel. Despite their decline in popularity, airships continue to capture the imagination of people around the world.