aircraft

noun

air·​craft ˈer-ˌkraft 

plural aircraft

often attributive

: a vehicle (such as an airplane or balloon) for traveling through the air

Examples of aircraft in a Sentence

a company that manufactures aircraft

Recent Examples on the Web

The preliminary investigation indicates the single-engine aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed about nine miles northwest of the Cleburne Airport, Texas Department of Public Safety officials said in a news release. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2024

Cabin crews are trained to lead evacuations in emergencies; United Airlines notes in a job description that flight attendants need to be able to operate oxygen systems, aircraft doors, evacuation slides, fire extinguishers, life rafts and communications and lighting systems. —James Doubek, NPR, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aircraft

• aircraft carrier
• rotary-wing aircraft

Kids Definition

aircraft

noun

air·​craft ˈa(ə)r-ˌkraft 

ˈe(ə)r-

plural aircraft

: a machine (as an airplane, glider, or helicopter) that can travel through the air and that is supported either by its own buoyancy or by the action of the air against its surfaces