wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈ(h)wēl-ˌcher 

: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled persons

Examples of wheelchair in a Sentence

He was in a wheelchair for several months after the accident.

Recent Examples on the Web

The main entrance, fitness center, and restaurants are all accessible and valet parking can accommodate vehicles for people who use wheelchairs. —Paul Jebara, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025

According to the Associated Press, the pope began the outing by being pushed in a wheelchair while wearing nasal tubes, before he was brought to the front of the altar in the square. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Francis, 88, entered St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in a wheelchair to briefly greet crowds that were gathered to mark the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare. —David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2025

He was seated in a wheelchair and wearing what appeared to be a nasal cannula aiding his breathing. —Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wheelchair

• wheelchair ramp

Rhymes for wheelchair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair -ˌche(ə)r 

-ˌcha(ə)r

: a chair with wheels used especially by sick, injured, or disabled people to get about

Medical Definition

wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈhwē(ə)l-ˌche(ə)r, ˈwē(ə)l-, -ˌcha(ə)r 

: a chair mounted on wheels especially for the use of disabled individuals