airplane

noun

air·​plane ˈer-ˌplān 

: a powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings from which it derives most of its lift

Illustration of airplane

• 1 weather radar
• 2 cockpit
• 3 jet engine
• 4 engine pod
• 5 pylon
• 6 wing
• 7 vertical stabilizer
• 8 rudder
• 9 10 tabs
• 11 elevator
• 12 horizontal stabilizer
• 13 inboard flap
• 14 inboard spoiler
• 15 16 tabs
• 17 aileron
• 18 outboard flap
• 19 outboard spoiler
• 20 sound suppressor
• 21 thrust reverser
• 22 cabin air intake
• 23 fuselage
• 24 nose landing gear

Synonyms

• aeroplane [chiefly British]
• plane

Examples of airplane in a Sentence

my uncle learned how to fly an airplane while serving in the air force

Recent Examples on the Web

The incident highlights the potential dangers of in-flight medical emergencies and the need for better medical equipment and training on airplanes. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

An airplane flies in the path of a partial solar eclipse while seen from Glen Rock on April 8, 2024 in Glen Rock, New Jersey. —Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025

However, when irresponsible people shine them directly into people's eyes or at airplanes, the result can be devastating and potentially catastrophic. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The passenger's bare foot appeared to be resting against the airplane and along her armrest. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of aeroplane

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing airplane

• airplane mode

Rhymes for airplane

• abstain
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign
• cetane

Kids Definition

airplane

noun

air·​plane ˈa(ə)r-ˌplān 

ˈe(ə)r-

: a fixed-wing heavier-than-air aircraft that is driven by a propeller or by a forceful stream of gases backward and is supported by the reaction of the air against its wings