helicopter

[ hel-i-kop-ter, hee-li- ]

noun

1. any of a class of heavier-than-air craft that are lifted and sustained in the air horizontally by rotating wings or blades turning on vertical axes through power supplied by an engine.

verb (used without object)

1. to fly in a helicopter.

verb (used with object)

1. to convey in a helicopter.

helicopter

/ ˈhɛlɪˌkɒptə /

noun

1. an aircraft capable of hover, vertical flight, and horizontal flight in any direction. Most get all of their lift and propulsion from the rotation of overhead blades See also autogiro

verb

1. to transport (people or things) or (of people or things) to be transported by helicopter

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter¹

From the French word hélicoptère, dating back to 1885–90. See helico-, -pter

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter¹

C19: from French hélicoptère, from helico- + Greek pteron wing

Example Sentences

Their machines promise the flexibility of a helicopter, but without the cost, noise and emissions.

From BBC

In October, gang members opened fire at a UN helicopter, causing some airlines to temporarily cancel flights to the Caribbean nation.

From BBC

The country’s national security adviser, its coastguard chief and the head of the police helicopter squadron are all Indian nationals and officers in India's external intelligence agency, navy and air force, respectively.

From BBC

Countless car commercials were filmed at the Vista Del Valle lookout point, a helicopter landing pad about midway through my walk with sweeping views of the city.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Japanese news agency Kyodo was able to take photos of the snowy peak on Wednesday from a helicopter.

From BBC

Related Words

• chopper