wheelchair

noun

wheel·​chair ˈ(h)wēl-ˌcher How to pronounce wheelchair (audio)
: 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
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.
He was given a wheelchair but remained undiagnosed, relying on fellow inmates for basic tasks such as showering and using the restroom. Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Mullen was brought into court in a wheelchair for the daylong preliminary hearing on Tuesday. Cameron MacDonald, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025 Click on the video below to see the romantic moment Michael rose from his wheelchair to propose Trinity said yes, and the restaurant owner joined in the celebration, bringing champagne and giving the happy couple their meal on the house. Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025 Toyota envisions people using this in all kinds of ways, including yanking out the passenger seat to make room for a foldable wheelchair or bicycle. New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wheelchair

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wheelchair was circa 1684

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wheelchair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wheelchair. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

wheelchair

noun
wheel·​chair -ˌche(ə)r How to pronounce wheelchair (audio)
-ˌcha(ə)r
: a chair with wheels used especially by sick, injured, or disabled people to get about

Medical Definition

wheelchair

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

More from Merriam-Webster on wheelchair

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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