Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dirigible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎈
Add to dictionary

dirigible

[ˈdɪr.ɪ.dʒə.bəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

airship transportation

A dirigible is a type of airship that can be steered and propelled through the air.

Synonyms

airship, blimp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dirigible

Used for referring to lighter-than-air aircraft that can be steered or directed. It is a more technical or historical term.

  • The museum has a replica of a dirigible from the early 20th century.
  • During the exploration, they used a dirigible to map the uncharted territories.
airship

A general term for any powered, steerable balloon, often used in modern contexts or when referring to commercial or advertising purposes.

  • The airship flew over the city, displaying an advertisement for the new movie.
  • He was fascinated by the history of airships and their role in early aviation.
blimp

Refers to a type of airship without an internal supporting structure, often smaller and used for advertising or surveillance. Informal and widely recognized in modern usage.

  • The blimp hovered above the stadium, capturing aerial shots of the sporting event.
  • They decided to rent a blimp to advertise the grand opening of their store.

Examples of usage

  • The dirigible floated gracefully through the sky.
  • The dirigible was a common mode of transportation in the early 20th century.
Context #2 | Adjective

capable of being directed

If something is described as dirigible, it means that it can be easily guided or controlled.

Synonyms

controllable, manageable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dirigible

Used primarily to describe airships or balloons that can be guided or directed. It is an older term and may not be used frequently in modern aviation contexts.

  • The Hindenburg was a famous dirigible that met a tragic end.
  • Dirigibles were popular for transportation and military observation in the early 20th century.
manageable

Describes something that can be handled or dealt with, often applied to tasks, workloads, or challenges, implying that it is not too difficult to handle.

  • Despite the heavy workload, everything is manageable with good time management.
  • The instructions were detailed, making the complex project manageable.
controllable

Refers to anything that can be controlled or managed, often used in a general sense to describe situations, devices, or emotions.

  • Luckily, the fire was controllable and did not spread extensively.
  • Her anger is not easily controllable under stressful conditions.

Examples of usage

  • The project was deemed dirigible under the right leadership.
  • Her thoughts were surprisingly dirigible, despite the chaotic situation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The first successful dirigible was built by Henri Giffard in 1852; it was steam-powered and traveled about 27 kilometers.
  • During World War I, dirigibles were utilized for reconnaissance and bombing missions, showing their military importance of the time.
  • The Hindenburg disaster in 1937 marked a significant decline in the use of dirigibles for passenger travel due to safety concerns.

Technology

  • Dirigibles are lighter-than-air crafts that use gases like helium or hydrogen to float, unlike planes that rely on wings and engines.
  • Modern dirigibles can be equipped with cameras and sensors, making them useful for surveillance and advertising.

Pop Culture

  • Dirigibles are often featured in steampunk literature and films, evoking a sense of nostalgia for early aviation.
  • In the video game Bioshock Infinite, dirigibles play a central role in the game's world, showcasing their imaginative capacity.

Literature

  • Jules Verne's novel 'The Clipper of the Clouds' features a dirigible, illustrating its presence in early sci-fi literature.
  • Characters in various fantasy novels often use dirigibles for air travel, symbolizing adventure and exploration.

Origin of 'dirigible'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dirigere,' meaning 'to direct' or 'to guide', reflecting its controllable nature.
  • Originally used in France in the late 19th century, the term became common around the time of the Zeppelin airships.

The word 'dirigible' originated from the Latin word 'dirigere', which means 'to direct'. It was first used in the context of airships in the late 19th century. Dirigibles played a significant role in early aviation history, offering a means of transportation and exploration through the skies. Although their popularity declined with the advancement of airplanes, dirigibles remain a symbol of innovation and adventure in aviation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,245 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.