Aircraft

/ˈɛərkræft/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Any vehicle capable of atmospheric flight, including fixed-wing airplanes and rotorcraft.

The aircraft soared gracefully above the clouds.

A category of vehicles that includes all types of flying machines.

The military is testing new types of aircraft for reconnaissance missions.

A specific type of vehicle designed for air travel, such as a plane or helicopter.

She works as a mechanic for commercial aircraft.

An area of study related to the design and operation of flying vehicles.

He is pursuing a degree in aircraft engineering.

The term 'aircraft' is a combination of 'air' and 'craft', with 'craft' meaning 'vehicle'. It was first used in the early 20th century.

hot air balloon

A lighter-than-air aircraft that can carry passengers.

aircraft carrier

A large ship designed to deploy and recover aircraft.

fixed-wing aircraft

A type of aircraft with wings that do not move and generate lift.

aviation

The design, development, production, and operation of aircraft.

flight

The action of flying through the air.

pilot

A person who navigates and is in control of an aircraft.

Bird

Oh look, there goes a big bird in the sky!

Flying machine

Check out that flying machine zoom past us!