airplane mode

noun

variants US airplane mode or British aeroplane mode

: an operating mode for an electronic device (such as a mobile phone) in which the device does not connect to wireless networks and cannot send or receive communications (such as calls or text messages) or access the Internet but remains usable for other functions

Today [in 2009], airlines may let passengers use newer-model cell phones in what's called "airplane" mode, which essentially disables the transmission function so they can't make calls. … FAA guidance allows cell phone calls once the plane has landed and is taxiing to the gate.

—Air Safety Week

Now, I do all I can to ensure that I have a calm and productive morning. I keep my phone in the kitchen overnight, often not turning it off airplane mode until I start work.

—Benjamin Spall

Examples of airplane mode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the holiday travel season continues, a pilot is stressing the importance of a smartphone's airplane mode feature. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Next vacation, leave your phone on airplane mode, bust out this handsome Backgammon set, and settle into a slower rhythm of life. —Matthew Medendorp, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024

It has been known for people to put the device in airplane mode and disconnect from the internet so as to prevent it from being blocked remotely. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

In other cases, they must be left in backpacks on airplane mode. —Victoria Le, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

airplane mode

noun

: an operating mode for an electronic device (as a smartphone) in which the device does not connect to wireless networks and cannot send or receive communications (as calls) or access the Internet but is usable for other functions