airspeed

noun

air·​speed ˈer-ˌspēd How to pronounce airspeed (audio)
: the speed (as of an airplane) with relation to the air compare ground speed

Examples of airspeed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Battery Handheld Leaf Blower: on sale for $299 Original price: $329 (Lowe's) This EGO Power leaf blower runs for 90 minutes on a single charge and delivers airspeeds up to 200 MPH. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 31 Aug. 2024 According to the latest available specs, maximum airspeed is targeted at 110 km/h (68 mph) and operational range from its onboard Li-ion battery packs given as 35 km (22 miles), though not at full throttle. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2024 But helicopters and airplanes operate in what’s called an environmental flight envelope – limits that include temperature, altitude, airspeed and load weight – that determine whether the aircraft can safely fly. George Petras, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024 There's redundancy in other crucial systems: the air data computers that generate numbers like airspeed and altitude, the hydraulic systems used to operate various parts of the plane, and the cabin pressurization systems that keep the air inside safe to breathe. James Doubek, NPR, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for airspeed 

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airspeed was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near airspeed

Cite this Entry

“Airspeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airspeed. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

airspeed

noun
air·​speed -ˌspēd How to pronounce airspeed (audio)
: the speed of an airplane according to measurements of the surrounding air rather than of the ground below
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