aeroplane

[ air-uh-pleyn ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. airplane.

aeroplane

/ ˈɛərəˌpleɪn; ˈɛəˌpleɪn /

noun

1. a heavier-than-air powered flying vehicle with fixed wings

Word History and Origins

Origin of aeroplane¹

1870–75; < French aéroplane, equivalent to aéro- aero- + -plane, apparently feminine of plan flat, level (< Latin plānus; plain ¹ ), perhaps by association with forme plane; apparently coined and first used by French sculptor and inventor Joseph Pline in 1855

Word History and Origins

Origin of aeroplane¹

C19: from French aéroplane, from aero- + Greek -planos wandering, related to planet

Example Sentences

"In the eyes of those in power, aeroplanes are more important than human lives."

From BBC

A publicity blitz about the programme saw loudspeaker vans and an illuminated tram car tour the city, aeroplane banner advertising and two specially-commissioned campaign songs broadcast at football matches.

From BBC

Asking aeroplane passengers not to eat nuts is unlikely to prevent an allergic reaction mid-flight - but cleaning their seat with a wet wipe could, allergy specialists say in a review of the latest evidence.

From BBC

Friedkin is an aeroplane enthusiast, his grandfather founded an airline in the US, while he himself piloted a Spitfire in the Hollywood blockbuster Dunkirk.

From BBC

An incident which saw two women lock a crying toddler in an aeroplane toilet has sparked an online debate in China on how to manage children in public spaces.

From BBC

Related Words

• aircraft
• airliner
• cab
• jet
• plane
• ship